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Title: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter: The Third Year

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As far as he could tell, Sirius knew that at least three years had passed since October 31st, 1981. Three years at the minimum.

The years felt like decades, and decades must have felt like centuries in Azkaban.

Azkaban winters were the worst. It was already cold enough here in Azkaban without the harsh winter winds.

Spring, to Sirius was like a big sigh after winter. It was relief. It was hope that warmth would be back someday. Like in heaven.

But of course, Azkaban was the farthest thing from heaven. It was like a taste of hell.

Sirius knew he was getting too skinny. Maybe he'd starve on accident to death. His hair was too long too. It passed his shoulders twice at least. Along with his new found beard. If he ever got out of this hell-like place the first thing he'd do was shave, take a shower, and cut his hair most likely.

Sirius often wondered if he'd go mad with boredom. There was just really nothing to do but think and remember horrible memories.

Once, he had tried swearing. It was fun for a while until the Dementors sucked the excitement out. Swearing had come naturally to Sirius. When he was in Hogwarts in his first and second years he'd listen in on the older Slytherins for new words. It had become a hobby for the Marauders.

Sirius remembered when the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor. His parents had been less than pleased. The only people proud of him were his cousin Andromeda and his Uncle Alphard.

Of course, Regulus had been a much better son. He wouldn't be proud of a green Death Eater? Sirius had been constantly reminded that during the summer holidays.

When he was sixteen he'd had enough. He ran away. He ran away to his best friend's place. James Potter's parents adored him. He stayed there during the summer holidays and Christmas along with James.

At seventeen he was able to get his own place. He invited the other Marauders to join him. James and Remus did, but not Peter. Seventeen-year-old Sirius just thought that Peter didn't want to move in because he wanted privacy. Of course, he was wrong.

Sirius groaned. It was too early. He pulled the sheets over his head.

He felt himself going back to sleep. He let the sheets off his face and went back to sleep.

"Good morning Sirius!" James called cheerfully before pulling back the blinds and letting in the too bright sun.

"What're you doing here?" Sirius asked sighing.

"You invited me to here. To live here actually," James said with a grin too big for his face.

"Hardy-har!" Sirius answered dryly. A glance at the other bed and a light brown head let him know that Remus was still sleeping too. It was too early. Sirius fell back into the pillows.

"Good morning Remus!" the same voice with a change of words echoed the room.

"Good morning James!" Remus replied cheerfully. "You'd better let me sleep or I'll curse you with my wand!" Sirius heard Moony say jollily.

"Oh Moony, there's no need for violence as long as you-" James started.

"Will you two shut up? It's the weekend. Let's at least sleep in!" Sirius sat upright glaring at the other two.

"Thank you, Sirius. And gladly." Remus dumped himself back into bed and quickly falling back into sleep.

James sighed. He was still a little tired.

"James," Sirius said.

"Uh huh?"

"Go to sleep."

Sirius remembered that day. It had been about a month or so into Auror training. That was the only day James woke up Remus and Sirius. He was too tired to get up anymore.

Sirius was glad he enjoyed sleep so much then and appreciated it, because now he barely got any.

He settled into his little spot on the floor and closed his eyes. He was almost scared to sleep, afraid of the dreams he might have.

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The next day, Sirius awoke to strange noises. He scrambled to his little cell window and peered out.

It looked like Crouch's kid, Barty Crouch Jr. With a name like that who wouldn't be an Azkaban? Crouch was put in a cell near his. He screamed for his mother. Poor kid, even if he was a Death Eater.

Anyone who was related to Crouch Sirius felt sorry for. Crouch was the one who sent Sirius to Azkaban without a trial.

That was such a son-of-a-bitch thing to do too. Just a bit of Veritaserum and they wouldn't have to deal with feeding Sirius everyday. Sirius snorted at the thought. Crouch could be so damn stupid, well; actually he was so damn stupid.

Sirius listened to the boy's screams. It was just a matter of time before he died. He would starve himself no doubt, Sirius knew.

Sirius really hoped he wouldn't die like that: screaming for his mother. Peter would. Sirius would see to that.