A.N.: sorry, computer broke again, but now I'm back and I'm ready to write more. smiles

Disclaimer: own this I do not. go star wars!!! Awesome trailer!!!

Chapter 23

The rest of the year passed uneventfully. Sirius and James got plenty extra detentions for pranking Snape and the other Slytherins. Remus disappeared randomly and showed up the next day. Also, during the months before summer break, Sirius randomly became mute. Sometimes it lasted only a few hours, other times it lasted up to a week. During those periods, Sirius was depressed and angry. Not so angry as to cut himself again, but he was still incredibly upset. After those spells ended, however, he was happy and hyper as he usually was.

Another thing that occurred was that the Potter's signed for Sirius's guardianship. When he had first learned about it, Sirius was ecstatic. James almost seemed surprised, as if he weren't sure that his parents were certain about their decision. They had though and both boys were excited that they got to live with each other year round. Of course, both of them began rethinking the excellence of that after a few annoying mornings with each other. It didn't matter though, because they were such good friends.

During the summer, Sirius got a few letters from his parents, none of them saying very nice things about him. Usually he never opened them and burned them later at night. Once or twice though, his curiosity got the better of him. However, after he read them, he regretted it. Some contained potions, or spells, or any other horrible thing that a parent could to a child without actually seeing him.

After reading the letters, Sirius would often get nightmares. He was always forced to recall how his parents had treated him while he still lived with him. Sometimes he would wake up crying and others he would awaken in a cold sweat, shivering and fearful. At times like those, James would comfort him. For some odd reason, he always seemed to realize when Sirius was in desperate need of companionship.

As the holidays drew to an end, the boys were sent off to Diagon Alley together. Of course, that's not always the best idea considering the fact that both boys were excellent troublemakers. However, this did not cross the Potters' minds until it was too late.

"So, Sirius, what should we do now that we're all alone in Diagon Alley, with no one to yell at us except innocent bystanders," James asked as they walked down the street. Sirius glanced at him and shrugged. This was another one of his mute spells and he was not particularly happy about the events that were taking place.

"I'll take that as you want to prank any Slytherin that we come into contact with," James responded to his glare. James realized that all that Sirius really needed was a good cheering up. And what better way to do so than to prank a Slytherin. In response to James's idea, Sirius smiled and nodded.

However, Sirius was deep in thought about something else. What if he ran into some members of his family? They could do anything to either him or James if they wanted to, considering they were only two twelve year olds out in Diagon Alley without any form of protection other than their wand which they weren't allowed to use outside of school.

"Isn't that just swell," he thought angrily. "I should have just gone home, that way I wouldn't be so afraid of seeing them randomly." The other side of his brain, which was usually considered the rational side, responded, "if you'd gone back there, you would probably be dead."

"Oh shut up," Sirius said out loud. Apparently his mute phase was over. James looked over at him rather oddly and Sirius grinned sheepishly. "Don't ask," he muttered. James shook his head in mild amusement and led the way to the joke shop.

When they entered the shop they found what they needed and purchased the items. By the time they left, they had spent almost more money on prank items than on their books and new robes.

"Mom's not going to be too happy about this is she?" James asked, looking at the bags in his and Sirius's hands. Sirius glanced around at them too and then shook his head.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her though, will it?" Sirius replied with a sly look in his eyes. James simply smiled and followed Sirius into the book shop across the street. They came out of that shop with more bags and a grumpier attitude about the world.

"I say we stop for ice cream now, what do you think?" James asked, looking over to where people were seated and eating.

"I say that's fine by me. I love ice cream, so might as well."

The boys ordered and then sat around silently eating and watching the people going by. Once Sirius thought he spotted Remus, but decided that it was just a figment of his imagination as he quickly disappeared in the crowd of people.

"We'd better go home," James said, after they finished eating. He stood up and picked up his bags. Sirius nodded and followed him. The day had been a long one and he was exhausted. He was starting to think that the potion was having a negative affect on him after all. More often he was beginning to get terrible headaches and suffering from sleep deprivation which of course led to exhaustion. Maybe he'd ask Mrs. Potter about it later.

A.N. there you go. Sorry it took so long. Um...ideas would be great. I know that chapter was rather pointless. They're going back to Hogwarts in the next chapter.