Trusting You with My Life
By Natsue Arishima
The one born with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...
Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…
And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have the power the Dark Lord knows not…
And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…
Sirius Black yawned loudly, stretching his arms and bending his back with a small pop. His dark hair shifted back over his eyes, elegantly framing his slender face, as he straightened up and continued his casual way down the road, strolling around aimlessly. Rubbing his tired eyes, he came to a crossroad and took a left, into Godric's Hollow.
His knew the magicians that lived here, and was especially close with the witches. His eyes glinted back to their usual charming state as he promptly adjusted his black buttoned shirt matching black pants, making sure that just enough skin was visible. Several of the witches were already outside; they waved shyly to him as he passed and he waved casually back, throwing them his cocky smile. Several swooned.
Had this been a regular day, he would have spent more time flirting, but James had specifically called him over, and Padfoot know that Prongs would never ask for help unless it was urgent. So, sighing, Sirius only spared himself a few dazzling grins and waves before continuing his walk. He could take advantage of his looks later.
That in him, he increased his pace, but not so much as to make it look like he was in a hurry. Even though he couldn't talk to the ladies now didn't mean that he was to ruin his appearance to them. All too soon, he found himself in front of a familiar lawn and decided to end his casual attitude; forgetting about the eyes watching him, he strode over the soft green grass. When it came to choosing between friends and women, friends were always the first priority. Without even knocking, he unlocked the door with a sweep of his wand.He traveled his way through the familiar house, not bothering to take of his shoes. A small white cat peeked its head out of a door; after seeing who it was, Kyeth purred and sprang forward, rubbing himself against Sirius's leg. The Animagus grinned and picked up the rumbling kitten; who bashfully snuggled his nose underneath the man's chin.
A man's voice came through the door that Kyeth had just walked through. "Lily, you didn't happen to hear the door open, did you?" Low and yet playful. The voice belonged to the one and only James Potter.
"Door open? No dear." Lily Evans Potter, sounding like she was in the living room. The sweet redhead, who had played hard to catch for many years. Sirius smiled to himself before inviting himself to the hidden room behind the slightly opened door.
He found himself in James's study, and smirked as he slowly lowered Kyeth onto the ground. The cat quickly darted away after licking Sirius's hand, obviously having heard Harry's gentle coos. Straightening up, Sirius examined his surroundings. In front of him was a worn and yet soft looking armchair, currently occupied by a certain wizard, placed in front of a mahogany desk. It was littered with scrolls and quills, and behind it was a filled bookshelf. To the left was an open window. Silently Sirius fingered his wand. His prank-filled years had never left him.
James Potter frowned, running another hand through his unruly hair as his eyes were lost in the scenery beyond the open window. His mind was clouded with confusion and most of all, fear. Lord Voldemort. He Who Must Not Be Named. You-Know-Who. Tom Riddle. After them.
After Harry Potter. After his son.
He suddenly jumped as something wet and cold nudged his elbow, and would have yelled if screaming had been his nature. Instead, eyes wide, he lunged out of his chair and spun around, wand outstretched, to find that his hand was pointed in the middle of two, pleading eyes and a mass of smooth, black hair.
Dog.
The large black animal eyed him again with those pleading puppy eyes and James blinked before letting out an indignant "Hey!" as his wand was yanked out of his hand, held carefully in the dog's powerful jaws. And then he realized that the eyes were silently laughing at him, and the dog was rumbling, almost giggling.
"Damn you, Sirius," James muttered, but sighed and scratched the dog behind the ears. Padfoot barked happily before depositing James's wand and padding softly out of the carpet-covered study and into the tile-floored kitchen. The animal sniffed around, jumping up and placing large paws on the counter as he grabbed some chocolate. James rolled his eyes and followed Padfoot into the living room.
The large black dog had slowed his pace; every step was light and quiet. Even his breathing had lightened. Lily sat with her back turned to the approaching animal, accompanying Harry as he played with the house pets in his playpen.
Padfoot stopped inches away from Lily, and James had to hide a smile at his oblivious wife. The dog hesitated, as if unsure, before wagging a silent tail and letting out a loud, obnoxious bark.
Lily shot up, clamping a hand over her mouth to prevent a scream, and Harry blinked in surprise. Padfoot almost smiled; it was as close to a smile as a dog could ever get; before playfully licking Lily on the cheek to calm her down. The witch sighed, hand over her eyes, but was unable to suppress her laughter. Behind her, Harry, having seen the dog when his mother moved out of the way, clapped and squealed in joy as he slurred, "Unc' Serus! Unc' Serus!"
The baby's laughter was suddenly joined by a deeper, much richer sound as Sirius turned back into his human form. Lightly, he picked Harry up and gently lifted the giggling baby into the air. Next to him, Lily shook her head, still slowly getting over her shock, and James put an arm around her. Together, they watched their best man dance around the room with their son.
----------"Secret Keeper, huh…" Sirius murmured, furrowing his brows as he ran a hand through his dark hair. The man stretched out his legs, leaning even further back on his chair so that the front of his seat was hanging over the ground. James bit his lip nervously as he examined the now serious face of his best friend.
In the other room, the two men could hear Lily and Harry bustling around. The small boy had been determined to help his mother make "Shocilate Caak" and wouldn't take no for an answer. And listening to the both slightly annoyed and yet happy sounds, it seemed as if said boy had just ruptured his third flour bag.
"Well?" James suddenly snapped, uncomfortable with the silence. What could Sirius be doubting? His best friend, not wanting to become a Secret Keeper? Or was the usual carefree lady's man worried about betraying a friend…? James narrowed his eyes, but his voice was soft. "I trust you, Sirius."
Sirius started, as if surprised. He stared hard at James again before managing a small smile. "That's not what I'm worried about." James could hear the urgency in the low voice. The fact that Sirius was, well, serious about something… that fact alone was just odd.
"What is it that you're not comfortable with?" the wizard asked slowly, resting his head on his hands as he leaned on the table. "I know it's dangerous. Well, anything with Voldemort behind it is risky, but –"
He saw Sirius move after the word "Voldemort". His friend cracked his knuckles absentmindedly before clearing his throat. "I know that it's dangerous. I don't mind that part. Remember, we're both friends with a werewolf! But… it's so… sudden. Harry's what, one? And one as powerful as the Dark Lord is already after him… Are you sure Dumbledore got the right kid?"
"I trust Dumbledore. I believe him too. When was the last time that he was wrong, Sirius?" James slowly stood up, stretching. His confidence about confronting Sirius was slowly fading. Maybe Albus Dumbledore was a better choice for their Secret Keeper after all.
As if reading James's mind, Sirius spoke up sharply. "It's dodgy, and a bit weird. You have to admit to that." He sighed, standing up as well. "But I'll do it, for you and Lily. So… what place do you have in mind?"
James blinked before comprehension dawned on his face. "Oh yeah. We've got to get a new place, don't we? I haven't talked to Lily about that yet, but I think we'll get a house in the same neighborhood. I'm rather attracted to Godric's Hollow."
Sirius nodded occasionally at James's words, not really listening. The rest of the evening passed in a blur. All he could remember was James's words, and the name "Voldemort" ringing endlessly in his mind. It was already seven when he managed to start his walk home. Remus was going to be mad at him – the two shared a place, since the price of the house was too high for either one of them to pay alone, and Moony was always paranoid about returning home after dark.
He forgot to show off to the ladies. He forgot that he was supposed to buy dinner. He forgot where he was going. Sirius Black was frightened. He was truly frightened. Not about Voldemort, or death even. But he was afraid. Afraid that he might let James down. Afraid he'd blurt, open his mouth. He wasn't sure how long he could last against the Dark Lord. But he'd try.
He'd try his best.
When it came to choosing between friends and women, friends were always Sirius Black's first priority.
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"No!" the man screamed, collasping onto his knees as he slid slowly onto the floor. His dark hair shielded his eyes, blocking out the hollow, dead light in them and the substance that he refused to call tears. His fists pounded hopelessly on the invisible walls of darkness around him. He was floating, and yet not. There was no ground, no sky. There was nothing here. Except pain. Longing. Memories. "Why?" he screamed, the pounding of his fists weakening. He felt himself crumple into a useless, twitching heap.
"Why..." he whispered, ignoring the pain and the ache in his heart. "Why are you making me remember...?"
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-Natsue Arishima