Chapter 11: Grimmauld Place
A/N: I think I should explain this chapter before you read it; just so everyone's clear about what is going on. This chapter is about what has been going on at Grimmauld Place in the week that Harry has been at school, from when Harry left up to where the last chapter left off. Told from Sirius' point of view - well, mostly. It's slightly shorter than previous chapters, but I think it's necessary to get a better understanding of the story. Anyway, Enjoy.
Sirius stood watching Harry and his friends climb into the car, preparing to leave for Hogwarts - how he wished he could go along. He knew just as well as everyone else just how well Harry could cope, but that didn't stop him worrying; he knew just how evil Voldemort could be, and Harry was top of the 'hit list' so to speak. Sirius felt so helpless; and he hated it. He felt tears form in his eyes and he fought them back desperately, he wanted to give Harry a good send off.
He waved while he watched the car vanish, a small part of his sanity going along with it. Sirius had never been a loner; and after his time in Azkaban he hated solitude even more. At least when there were people around he could forget his time on that horrific rock; forget all the things it made him remember; he could move on. But when he was alone; it was a different story entirely.
The worst days of his life were like open wounds in his mind; he didn't think those wounds would ever heal and vanish, not after the number of times they were ripped open by dementors. Dementors - there they were again, it seemed any time Sirius was alone with his thoughts for too long dementors and Azkaban would creep up. That wasn't the worst of it though, Sirius could deal with remembering his time there - if it wasn't for the fact that, he remembered the effects of the dementors as clearly as if they were here now, in Grimmauld Place. He remembered one day especially well, the last day he saw Lily and James alive. The day he persuaded them to choose Peter instead, the day he made the worst mistake of his life.
** Flashback**
"Sirius?" Sirius looked to the couch where the voice hailed from; it was James his best friend, the one who was living in fear for his life, the one who had just found out his son was the one with the power to destroy the most evil wizard in the world. Sirius hated to admit it, but he was afraid. Afraid of what James was going to ask him to do, afraid he wouldn't be able to do it, afraid that he would fail his friend, but mostly he was afraid for James, for Lily, and for Harry; his godson. He reluctantly looked over at James,
"Yes?"
"Well, um, Dumbledore, he thinks we should go into hiding." James said slowly, as if testing out the words for himself, seeing what it felt like to actually say them, to admit to himself what he had to do; hiding was not going to be easy for James, he would rather fight, and die fighting if he had to, but he had Lily and Harry to think of, and hiding was the only option.
"Of course you are!" declared Sirius indignantly, 'surely James hadn't been considering anything else?'
"And, eh, he thinks that we should use the Fidelius Charm."
A look of understanding swept over Sirius' face, "That's the one with the secret keeper right?"
"Yeah" whispered James, the pain in his voice reflected in his eyes "I wouldn't ask but."
"Stop right there." Said Sirius firmly, "I'll be the secret keeper." Of course he would, refusal never even crossed his mind, he would easily die for James; well not easily, he wouldn't go down without a fight that was for sure.
"Sirius, you don't." Lily looked over at him, tears in her eyes, clinging to James with one arm, and hugging Harry, her son, with the other.
"No arguments" said Sirius, "Of course I'll do it, did you really think it would be any other way?" he added, trying to add a little humour, which needless to say failed.
"No" said James quietly, "that's what I was afraid of."
"There's nothing to be afraid of Prongs old friend" said Sirius, moving over to sit beside them,
"I wish that was the case Padfoot, but.but.they'll know it's you, and they'll capture you, and they'll torture you.and for what? For me? I'm not worth it." James replied looking at his best friend, not even trying to hide the tears that were spilling from his eyes,
"Maybe not" replied Sirius quietly, looking over at Lily and Harry "but they are"
James simply nodded in reply, "You're right of course, but that doesn't change the fact they'll know it's you, and they will find you eventually."he trailed off, unable to even think of what would happen then
"I would never betray you Prongs" said Sirius, deadly serious, "at least not willingly."
"I know that you idiot!" declared James, "I was worried about what they'll do to you."
"Oh," said Sirius, suddenly comprehending "but you never know what tricks death eaters have up their sleeves",
"Sirius I trust you completely, I know you would never give us up!"
"Well I'd like to think so, but James I don't know, they could have some kind of spell that would make me tell them, what if I did? I couldn't live with myself."
"Oh, I see" said James dejectedly, "You don't want to do it, don't worry, I don't blame you, and I certainly won't force you."
"Of course I'll do it!" exclaimed Sirius, "Unless? No"
"What?" cried James desperately
"Nothing it doesn't matter" mumbled Sirius, regretting having said anything
"What were you going to say?" asked James, almost menacingly
"Well, um, maybe we could try a bluff"
"A bluff?" asked Lily puzzled
"Yeah, well, the death eaters will expect me as the secret keeper right? So they'll go after me, but what if you made Peter secret keeper instead, they'd never suspect him so wouldn't go after him, and that way I couldn't reveal it even if I wanted to!"
"That is a good idea" remarked James, "but still, it involves you being at risk!"
"James we're fighting a bloody war here, and trust me, you're not the only one Voldemort has it in for.I'm at risk anyway!"
"I s'pose" said James, clearly thinking it over, "What do you think Lils?" he asked quietly, turning to face his beautiful wife, his eyes full of pain,
"I think we should ask Peter" she said carefully, "not that I don't trust you Sirius!" she added quickly
"I know." replied Sirius, "So we tell everyone other than Peter that it's me?"
"Even Dumbledore?" asked James doubtfully
"Yes" replied Sirius, "there's a spy somewhere around, no I don't think its Dumbledore, but the less we talk about it the better, agreed?"
"Agreed" said Lily, gazing lovingly at Harry, who was playing with her hair distractedly
"Agreed" said James reluctantly, his eyes searching Sirius' concernedly.
**End Flashback**
Sirius' mind returned to the present day to find a cold sweat engulfing his body, he had relived that night so many times, but it didn't make a difference, he still felt the same guilt, the same pain and anguish, and the same pure hatred for Peter - Wormtail. Just thinking the name made him feel sick. He looked down at himself, feeling the dampness of his robes hitting off his skin, and decided to shower before the others got back.
A freshly showered Sirius was lounging on the couch in the front room of number 12 Grimmauld Place when Remus returned from the train station. Remus trudged into the room, and fell into the seat opposite his friend.
"Anyone else here?" he asked,
"Nope, just me and my memories" said Sirius bitterly
Remus looked over at him, unsure what to say next; little did he know someone was ready with a reply of their own.
"I wouldn't bet on it." the voice came from behind them, and both men leaped from their seats drawing their wands,
"Avada K-" the voice started, cut off just in time by Remus' cry of
"Expelliarmus!" He threw the wand that flew into his hand to Sirius, who caught it easily and instantly turned it upon their attacker - it was only then that Sirius saw who it was - Peter Pettigrew - the traitor.
"How dare you show your face here you pathetic excuse for a human being?" he thundered at the small man, who was now quivering on the floor. "Did you honestly think you would just kill me and Remus?" he demanded towering over Peter, "like you did James?" he added darkly,
" I ought to kill you now you pathetic good for nothing rat!"
"No." said Remus firmly, looking at the cowering heap on the floor in disgust
"How can you say you don't want that." he shot a repulsed look downwards, ".dead?"
"Because there's a better use for him. Padfoot don't you see, this is your chance to be free!" Remus enthused with an excited glint in his eye.
Sirius, still glaring at Pettigrew reluctantly agreed, "I s'pose you're right" he conceded, looking over to Remus, "but what do we do with him?"
Remus eyes glazed over, deep in thought, finally he looked back towards Sirius, who stood rigidly over Peter, wand drawn, and ready for action, "We force him to become a rat, then I'll get a box, or something, put an unbreakable charm on it, so he can't transform, and then.then we take him to Dumbledore."
"Right," said Sirius, eyes never leaving the quaking ball at his feet, "go and do that then, while I guard him,
"Right" agreed Remus, as he rushed into the kitchen. He was back in no time at all; Peter was safely forced into his animagus form, and then trapped in the container. Sirius threw aside Peter's wand in disgust. Remus looked at him questioningly,
"Shouldn't you keep that? You do need a wand after all."
"Not that one I don't" said Sirius with distaste, "I can feel the dark magic on it, and besides I doubt it would work for me."
"Okay then, " said Remus, still concerned, "What are we going to do now? Headquarters is no longer secret, Voldemort must know you're alive, and we have to get Peter to Dumbledore."
Just then the front door flew open, and Charlie Weasley and Nymphadora Tonks stumbled in, Charlie looked at the two men desperately, "Death Eaters.outside.I think they've surrounded us!"
"What?!" exclaimed Sirius, this was much more serious than any of them had realised,
"We had to fight our way through!" declared Tonks indignantly, "We have to get out of here!"
"Where too?" demanded Sirius
"Someone has to get to Dumbledore!"
"But how?" asked Tonks, "We can't apparate out of here.or into Hogwarts! We're trapped!"
"A portkey?" offered Sirius
"No" said Charlie, "Only Dumbledore knows how to enchant them to enter Hogwarts - a security precaution."
"Of course" mumbled Sirius frustrated.
"We'll just have to take portkeys to different places - and make our way to Hogwarts from them - but nowhere too close, in case the Death Eaters can trace the magic, that way they won't know where we're headed." Suggested Remus
"No." said Sirius, "We need to warn the other Order Members not to come here - you three can do that, I'll go to Hogwarts."
"Sirius? Are you sure that's a good idea?" interjected Remus
"Yes." Said Sirius, "I can travel quickly as Padfoot, without drawing attention.and I can't exactly warn people if I'm supposed to be dead can I? Someone will spot me and cause a panic."
Remus reluctantly agreed, just as Charlie who had been watching out of the window shouted,
"Whatever we're doing it'll have to be quickly! They're moving in!"
Remus looked round panicked, "Right, Charlie make a portkey to take us three to the Ministry, I'll make Sirius one, to take him to.Limerigg. You remember that little village? On the other side of the Forbidden Forest? You should make it to Hogwarts in a few days."
Sirius nodded his approval as Remus and Charlie began work on the portkeys.
A crash echoed through the house; it sounded like it came from the kitchen; they were in. Everyone grabbed their respective Portkey, and just as a black-cloaked figure appeared in the doorway they were gone.
Sirius arrived on the outskirts of the small village he hadn't seen in years. He stood taking in the sight before he remembered that he had to transform, and get moving.it wouldn't do any good if the Death Eaters traced the Portkey and all he was doing was admiring the view. In an instant he was Padfoot - but that presented him with a problem he forgot to consider - Wormtail. He no longer had any hands in which to carry the box - he would have to use his mouth. He scooped up the box and ran off towards the town. By the time he got across the fields and into the small streets it was nightfall. He couldn't remember this place that well and decided to find somewhere to spend the night - no sense in getting lost in the dark.
After sniffing round a few gardens he found an open cellar, and he curled up inside falling into a peaceful sleep; ironically he was so used to sleeping rough, it was often easier to sleep out of bed than in.
The following morning Padfoot scrounged for food in the village and made sure he was quite full before he set off. He ran until mid afternoon, when he reached the edge of the Forest, and he decided it would be best to find a safe place to spend the night - who knew how long that would take.
He spent the next day trying to navigate his way through the Forest - to little avail. Though he feared to admit it, the realisation dawned on him; he was lost. He traipsed through the dark, rank undergrowth, desperately seeking something he recognised, and as evening drew near he found something; the place he spent last night! He had travelled in a circle all day. As he settled in for the night - it was pointless to continue seeing as dark was already creeping up - his thoughts drifted to Harry, and what he was doing. What if Harry had tried to owl him? And got no reply? Harry didn't know what was going on, he might think Sirius was dead again. Sirius began to panic, dwelling on what could be happening; Voldemort could've attacked Harry; Harry could be dead. No, Sirius thought, Harry is alive; he has to be.
The next morning - even after a horrific nights sleep - Sirius was more focussed and more determined to get out. Again he ploughed through vile, rotting undergrowth, never ceasing, constantly searching for something, anything that he could recognise. It was early evening when he found that sign, a clearing. He could remember that clearing very well, he had found it years ago at Hogwarts; with Prongs, and Moony, and of course Wormtail. He shuddered even thinking of him. On one of their monthly expeditions, they had had so much fun. How he wished the others were here now with him. He was very weak by the time he found the clearing, all that running, and no decent meals. He crashed out almost immediately after delighting in finding a familiar spot.
It was now Thursday, or so Sirius thought; yes, it had been Sunday that they were attacked. He was finding his journey increasingly difficult. With each step his legs became weaker; and heavier, eventually he struggled to lift them. He went on, exhausted and sore; but still he went on. By the time night fell he was in a very familiar part of the Forest; he had been there many times at Hogwarts. In fact Hogwarts was only an hour or so away. He was tired though; much too tired to make that little journey, and so he slept.
When he awoke; he guessed it was around midday, he wouldn't be able to approach the school now. That would have to wait until tonight; when the students were in bed. In the meantime he would just have to walk to the edge of the Forest, and wait.
Sirius reached the outskirts of the wood after what seemed like an eternity, and was considering going to sleep to pass the time until it was safe to approach the castle. However he noticed something was going on at the Quidditch pitch and moved as close as he dared. It was the Griffindor team; which meant Harry would be there. How he missed Harry. Looking at the number of people there however confused Sirius at first; then he realised, of course, it must be try-outs.
He looked around trying to find out who the captain was; and saw Harry sitting in the stands. For a moment he was furious, 'why wasn't Harry out there playing?' and then it hit him, and he kicked himself for not getting it at once. Of course -Harry was the Captain. Sirius was so proud. 'See James?' he thought to himself 'He takes after you' and as he thought it, he was sure he caught a glimpse of James beside him; watching, his eyes brimmed with tears, and his mouth fixed into a grin. When Sirius tried to get a closer look though, he vanished. 'Must be the lack of food' Sirius concluded.
He settled down to watch the try-outs, and was impressed with what he saw; some of those Chasers could rival James! The event didn't last nearly long enough for Sirius' liking; he still had a few more hours to kill, but he did see something interesting after it. Harry was speaking to Ginny, and some other girl; but it looked to him like Harry was only seeing the latter. 'Could Harry have a girlfriend?' He smiled, and filed away that information; he would have to ask Harry all about it.
Sirius fell asleep in the dying sun, and was jerked awake a few hours later by some desperate shouts from the castle. It was dark, and difficult to see, but what Sirius did see shocked him. There was a group of Death Eaters advancing on the castle, with an army of teachers fighting them off. Padfoot ran over to the scene as fast as his exhausted limbs could carry him. By the time he reached the scene, the teachers were rounding up the Death Eaters. Padfoot stumbled over to Dumbledore and dragged him to the side, where he quickly transformed. "What's going on?" he hissed urgently
"I have no idea" replied Dumbledore calmly, "Minerva happened to look out of her window, and saw them approach so we had time to group together and head them off."
"And none got past you?" demanded Sirius
"No, I don't believe they did"
"But are you certain?" implored Sirius "What if it was a distraction, what if they're after Harry? I have to get to him! Here take this." He said to Dumbledore passing him the box that contained Peter, "We caught the rat! I'll come and see you in a minute, we have lots to discuss; but just now I need to check on Harry!"
Dumbledore's eyes widened for a split second at the news of Pettigrew's capture, and then he nodded as Sirius transformed, "The password's Conoscasi" he added as Sirius dashed inside.
The pain in Sirius' legs was excruciating as he ran to Griffindor tower, but he didn't care he had to get there. Make sure Harry was okay. What if there was already a Death Eater there? Or worse Voldemort himself? He would never forgive himself if anything happened to Harry. He had to get there! And so he ran; hoping, wishing, and praying that Harry was safe.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
A/N: Dun, Dun, Dun.. Was it a Death Eater the girls saw last chapter? Was it Sirius? Was it Voldemort? Or was it something else? I know, I know, keeping the cliffy going for this long is evil, but what can I say, it's fun! Maybe this will persuade more people to review! (Please do!) I will update soon, I've started the nest chapter already. but reviews are always inspiring! Hope to hear from you all soon.
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A/N: I think I should explain this chapter before you read it; just so everyone's clear about what is going on. This chapter is about what has been going on at Grimmauld Place in the week that Harry has been at school, from when Harry left up to where the last chapter left off. Told from Sirius' point of view - well, mostly. It's slightly shorter than previous chapters, but I think it's necessary to get a better understanding of the story. Anyway, Enjoy.
Sirius stood watching Harry and his friends climb into the car, preparing to leave for Hogwarts - how he wished he could go along. He knew just as well as everyone else just how well Harry could cope, but that didn't stop him worrying; he knew just how evil Voldemort could be, and Harry was top of the 'hit list' so to speak. Sirius felt so helpless; and he hated it. He felt tears form in his eyes and he fought them back desperately, he wanted to give Harry a good send off.
He waved while he watched the car vanish, a small part of his sanity going along with it. Sirius had never been a loner; and after his time in Azkaban he hated solitude even more. At least when there were people around he could forget his time on that horrific rock; forget all the things it made him remember; he could move on. But when he was alone; it was a different story entirely.
The worst days of his life were like open wounds in his mind; he didn't think those wounds would ever heal and vanish, not after the number of times they were ripped open by dementors. Dementors - there they were again, it seemed any time Sirius was alone with his thoughts for too long dementors and Azkaban would creep up. That wasn't the worst of it though, Sirius could deal with remembering his time there - if it wasn't for the fact that, he remembered the effects of the dementors as clearly as if they were here now, in Grimmauld Place. He remembered one day especially well, the last day he saw Lily and James alive. The day he persuaded them to choose Peter instead, the day he made the worst mistake of his life.
** Flashback**
"Sirius?" Sirius looked to the couch where the voice hailed from; it was James his best friend, the one who was living in fear for his life, the one who had just found out his son was the one with the power to destroy the most evil wizard in the world. Sirius hated to admit it, but he was afraid. Afraid of what James was going to ask him to do, afraid he wouldn't be able to do it, afraid that he would fail his friend, but mostly he was afraid for James, for Lily, and for Harry; his godson. He reluctantly looked over at James,
"Yes?"
"Well, um, Dumbledore, he thinks we should go into hiding." James said slowly, as if testing out the words for himself, seeing what it felt like to actually say them, to admit to himself what he had to do; hiding was not going to be easy for James, he would rather fight, and die fighting if he had to, but he had Lily and Harry to think of, and hiding was the only option.
"Of course you are!" declared Sirius indignantly, 'surely James hadn't been considering anything else?'
"And, eh, he thinks that we should use the Fidelius Charm."
A look of understanding swept over Sirius' face, "That's the one with the secret keeper right?"
"Yeah" whispered James, the pain in his voice reflected in his eyes "I wouldn't ask but."
"Stop right there." Said Sirius firmly, "I'll be the secret keeper." Of course he would, refusal never even crossed his mind, he would easily die for James; well not easily, he wouldn't go down without a fight that was for sure.
"Sirius, you don't." Lily looked over at him, tears in her eyes, clinging to James with one arm, and hugging Harry, her son, with the other.
"No arguments" said Sirius, "Of course I'll do it, did you really think it would be any other way?" he added, trying to add a little humour, which needless to say failed.
"No" said James quietly, "that's what I was afraid of."
"There's nothing to be afraid of Prongs old friend" said Sirius, moving over to sit beside them,
"I wish that was the case Padfoot, but.but.they'll know it's you, and they'll capture you, and they'll torture you.and for what? For me? I'm not worth it." James replied looking at his best friend, not even trying to hide the tears that were spilling from his eyes,
"Maybe not" replied Sirius quietly, looking over at Lily and Harry "but they are"
James simply nodded in reply, "You're right of course, but that doesn't change the fact they'll know it's you, and they will find you eventually."he trailed off, unable to even think of what would happen then
"I would never betray you Prongs" said Sirius, deadly serious, "at least not willingly."
"I know that you idiot!" declared James, "I was worried about what they'll do to you."
"Oh," said Sirius, suddenly comprehending "but you never know what tricks death eaters have up their sleeves",
"Sirius I trust you completely, I know you would never give us up!"
"Well I'd like to think so, but James I don't know, they could have some kind of spell that would make me tell them, what if I did? I couldn't live with myself."
"Oh, I see" said James dejectedly, "You don't want to do it, don't worry, I don't blame you, and I certainly won't force you."
"Of course I'll do it!" exclaimed Sirius, "Unless? No"
"What?" cried James desperately
"Nothing it doesn't matter" mumbled Sirius, regretting having said anything
"What were you going to say?" asked James, almost menacingly
"Well, um, maybe we could try a bluff"
"A bluff?" asked Lily puzzled
"Yeah, well, the death eaters will expect me as the secret keeper right? So they'll go after me, but what if you made Peter secret keeper instead, they'd never suspect him so wouldn't go after him, and that way I couldn't reveal it even if I wanted to!"
"That is a good idea" remarked James, "but still, it involves you being at risk!"
"James we're fighting a bloody war here, and trust me, you're not the only one Voldemort has it in for.I'm at risk anyway!"
"I s'pose" said James, clearly thinking it over, "What do you think Lils?" he asked quietly, turning to face his beautiful wife, his eyes full of pain,
"I think we should ask Peter" she said carefully, "not that I don't trust you Sirius!" she added quickly
"I know." replied Sirius, "So we tell everyone other than Peter that it's me?"
"Even Dumbledore?" asked James doubtfully
"Yes" replied Sirius, "there's a spy somewhere around, no I don't think its Dumbledore, but the less we talk about it the better, agreed?"
"Agreed" said Lily, gazing lovingly at Harry, who was playing with her hair distractedly
"Agreed" said James reluctantly, his eyes searching Sirius' concernedly.
**End Flashback**
Sirius' mind returned to the present day to find a cold sweat engulfing his body, he had relived that night so many times, but it didn't make a difference, he still felt the same guilt, the same pain and anguish, and the same pure hatred for Peter - Wormtail. Just thinking the name made him feel sick. He looked down at himself, feeling the dampness of his robes hitting off his skin, and decided to shower before the others got back.
A freshly showered Sirius was lounging on the couch in the front room of number 12 Grimmauld Place when Remus returned from the train station. Remus trudged into the room, and fell into the seat opposite his friend.
"Anyone else here?" he asked,
"Nope, just me and my memories" said Sirius bitterly
Remus looked over at him, unsure what to say next; little did he know someone was ready with a reply of their own.
"I wouldn't bet on it." the voice came from behind them, and both men leaped from their seats drawing their wands,
"Avada K-" the voice started, cut off just in time by Remus' cry of
"Expelliarmus!" He threw the wand that flew into his hand to Sirius, who caught it easily and instantly turned it upon their attacker - it was only then that Sirius saw who it was - Peter Pettigrew - the traitor.
"How dare you show your face here you pathetic excuse for a human being?" he thundered at the small man, who was now quivering on the floor. "Did you honestly think you would just kill me and Remus?" he demanded towering over Peter, "like you did James?" he added darkly,
" I ought to kill you now you pathetic good for nothing rat!"
"No." said Remus firmly, looking at the cowering heap on the floor in disgust
"How can you say you don't want that." he shot a repulsed look downwards, ".dead?"
"Because there's a better use for him. Padfoot don't you see, this is your chance to be free!" Remus enthused with an excited glint in his eye.
Sirius, still glaring at Pettigrew reluctantly agreed, "I s'pose you're right" he conceded, looking over to Remus, "but what do we do with him?"
Remus eyes glazed over, deep in thought, finally he looked back towards Sirius, who stood rigidly over Peter, wand drawn, and ready for action, "We force him to become a rat, then I'll get a box, or something, put an unbreakable charm on it, so he can't transform, and then.then we take him to Dumbledore."
"Right," said Sirius, eyes never leaving the quaking ball at his feet, "go and do that then, while I guard him,
"Right" agreed Remus, as he rushed into the kitchen. He was back in no time at all; Peter was safely forced into his animagus form, and then trapped in the container. Sirius threw aside Peter's wand in disgust. Remus looked at him questioningly,
"Shouldn't you keep that? You do need a wand after all."
"Not that one I don't" said Sirius with distaste, "I can feel the dark magic on it, and besides I doubt it would work for me."
"Okay then, " said Remus, still concerned, "What are we going to do now? Headquarters is no longer secret, Voldemort must know you're alive, and we have to get Peter to Dumbledore."
Just then the front door flew open, and Charlie Weasley and Nymphadora Tonks stumbled in, Charlie looked at the two men desperately, "Death Eaters.outside.I think they've surrounded us!"
"What?!" exclaimed Sirius, this was much more serious than any of them had realised,
"We had to fight our way through!" declared Tonks indignantly, "We have to get out of here!"
"Where too?" demanded Sirius
"Someone has to get to Dumbledore!"
"But how?" asked Tonks, "We can't apparate out of here.or into Hogwarts! We're trapped!"
"A portkey?" offered Sirius
"No" said Charlie, "Only Dumbledore knows how to enchant them to enter Hogwarts - a security precaution."
"Of course" mumbled Sirius frustrated.
"We'll just have to take portkeys to different places - and make our way to Hogwarts from them - but nowhere too close, in case the Death Eaters can trace the magic, that way they won't know where we're headed." Suggested Remus
"No." said Sirius, "We need to warn the other Order Members not to come here - you three can do that, I'll go to Hogwarts."
"Sirius? Are you sure that's a good idea?" interjected Remus
"Yes." Said Sirius, "I can travel quickly as Padfoot, without drawing attention.and I can't exactly warn people if I'm supposed to be dead can I? Someone will spot me and cause a panic."
Remus reluctantly agreed, just as Charlie who had been watching out of the window shouted,
"Whatever we're doing it'll have to be quickly! They're moving in!"
Remus looked round panicked, "Right, Charlie make a portkey to take us three to the Ministry, I'll make Sirius one, to take him to.Limerigg. You remember that little village? On the other side of the Forbidden Forest? You should make it to Hogwarts in a few days."
Sirius nodded his approval as Remus and Charlie began work on the portkeys.
A crash echoed through the house; it sounded like it came from the kitchen; they were in. Everyone grabbed their respective Portkey, and just as a black-cloaked figure appeared in the doorway they were gone.
Sirius arrived on the outskirts of the small village he hadn't seen in years. He stood taking in the sight before he remembered that he had to transform, and get moving.it wouldn't do any good if the Death Eaters traced the Portkey and all he was doing was admiring the view. In an instant he was Padfoot - but that presented him with a problem he forgot to consider - Wormtail. He no longer had any hands in which to carry the box - he would have to use his mouth. He scooped up the box and ran off towards the town. By the time he got across the fields and into the small streets it was nightfall. He couldn't remember this place that well and decided to find somewhere to spend the night - no sense in getting lost in the dark.
After sniffing round a few gardens he found an open cellar, and he curled up inside falling into a peaceful sleep; ironically he was so used to sleeping rough, it was often easier to sleep out of bed than in.
The following morning Padfoot scrounged for food in the village and made sure he was quite full before he set off. He ran until mid afternoon, when he reached the edge of the Forest, and he decided it would be best to find a safe place to spend the night - who knew how long that would take.
He spent the next day trying to navigate his way through the Forest - to little avail. Though he feared to admit it, the realisation dawned on him; he was lost. He traipsed through the dark, rank undergrowth, desperately seeking something he recognised, and as evening drew near he found something; the place he spent last night! He had travelled in a circle all day. As he settled in for the night - it was pointless to continue seeing as dark was already creeping up - his thoughts drifted to Harry, and what he was doing. What if Harry had tried to owl him? And got no reply? Harry didn't know what was going on, he might think Sirius was dead again. Sirius began to panic, dwelling on what could be happening; Voldemort could've attacked Harry; Harry could be dead. No, Sirius thought, Harry is alive; he has to be.
The next morning - even after a horrific nights sleep - Sirius was more focussed and more determined to get out. Again he ploughed through vile, rotting undergrowth, never ceasing, constantly searching for something, anything that he could recognise. It was early evening when he found that sign, a clearing. He could remember that clearing very well, he had found it years ago at Hogwarts; with Prongs, and Moony, and of course Wormtail. He shuddered even thinking of him. On one of their monthly expeditions, they had had so much fun. How he wished the others were here now with him. He was very weak by the time he found the clearing, all that running, and no decent meals. He crashed out almost immediately after delighting in finding a familiar spot.
It was now Thursday, or so Sirius thought; yes, it had been Sunday that they were attacked. He was finding his journey increasingly difficult. With each step his legs became weaker; and heavier, eventually he struggled to lift them. He went on, exhausted and sore; but still he went on. By the time night fell he was in a very familiar part of the Forest; he had been there many times at Hogwarts. In fact Hogwarts was only an hour or so away. He was tired though; much too tired to make that little journey, and so he slept.
When he awoke; he guessed it was around midday, he wouldn't be able to approach the school now. That would have to wait until tonight; when the students were in bed. In the meantime he would just have to walk to the edge of the Forest, and wait.
Sirius reached the outskirts of the wood after what seemed like an eternity, and was considering going to sleep to pass the time until it was safe to approach the castle. However he noticed something was going on at the Quidditch pitch and moved as close as he dared. It was the Griffindor team; which meant Harry would be there. How he missed Harry. Looking at the number of people there however confused Sirius at first; then he realised, of course, it must be try-outs.
He looked around trying to find out who the captain was; and saw Harry sitting in the stands. For a moment he was furious, 'why wasn't Harry out there playing?' and then it hit him, and he kicked himself for not getting it at once. Of course -Harry was the Captain. Sirius was so proud. 'See James?' he thought to himself 'He takes after you' and as he thought it, he was sure he caught a glimpse of James beside him; watching, his eyes brimmed with tears, and his mouth fixed into a grin. When Sirius tried to get a closer look though, he vanished. 'Must be the lack of food' Sirius concluded.
He settled down to watch the try-outs, and was impressed with what he saw; some of those Chasers could rival James! The event didn't last nearly long enough for Sirius' liking; he still had a few more hours to kill, but he did see something interesting after it. Harry was speaking to Ginny, and some other girl; but it looked to him like Harry was only seeing the latter. 'Could Harry have a girlfriend?' He smiled, and filed away that information; he would have to ask Harry all about it.
Sirius fell asleep in the dying sun, and was jerked awake a few hours later by some desperate shouts from the castle. It was dark, and difficult to see, but what Sirius did see shocked him. There was a group of Death Eaters advancing on the castle, with an army of teachers fighting them off. Padfoot ran over to the scene as fast as his exhausted limbs could carry him. By the time he reached the scene, the teachers were rounding up the Death Eaters. Padfoot stumbled over to Dumbledore and dragged him to the side, where he quickly transformed. "What's going on?" he hissed urgently
"I have no idea" replied Dumbledore calmly, "Minerva happened to look out of her window, and saw them approach so we had time to group together and head them off."
"And none got past you?" demanded Sirius
"No, I don't believe they did"
"But are you certain?" implored Sirius "What if it was a distraction, what if they're after Harry? I have to get to him! Here take this." He said to Dumbledore passing him the box that contained Peter, "We caught the rat! I'll come and see you in a minute, we have lots to discuss; but just now I need to check on Harry!"
Dumbledore's eyes widened for a split second at the news of Pettigrew's capture, and then he nodded as Sirius transformed, "The password's Conoscasi" he added as Sirius dashed inside.
The pain in Sirius' legs was excruciating as he ran to Griffindor tower, but he didn't care he had to get there. Make sure Harry was okay. What if there was already a Death Eater there? Or worse Voldemort himself? He would never forgive himself if anything happened to Harry. He had to get there! And so he ran; hoping, wishing, and praying that Harry was safe.
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A/N: Dun, Dun, Dun.. Was it a Death Eater the girls saw last chapter? Was it Sirius? Was it Voldemort? Or was it something else? I know, I know, keeping the cliffy going for this long is evil, but what can I say, it's fun! Maybe this will persuade more people to review! (Please do!) I will update soon, I've started the nest chapter already. but reviews are always inspiring! Hope to hear from you all soon.
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Hplova4eva - As ever thanks and I hope you like this one!
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