A.N: yippie. I opened my mail and the reviews had invaded. I almost fell off my chair when I saw how many there were. What?? Are you insane? You actually want me to continue this monstrosity. They did pose and also imply several questions which I will answer. The piece in chapter 6 is not slash. It's actually more about intimidation the whole 'scare a person senseless and they'll do what you want' routine. However I don't have a problem with slash or group pairings. I can't guarantee that this story will be slash/group sex free. James potters actions in chapter 7 will be explained either later in this story or in a one shot piece. As for it being 'one of the craziest stories I've read' (review quote) thank you very much. It means that the story is progressing along my original idea. You will be glad to know I am not drinking anything I just have a very weird mind. Now that being said enjoy.

Chap. 11 Understanding

As the group of wizards and witches headed towards the train, many noticed the lack of insults between Snape and Black. No one mentioned their strange behavior. They quickly arrived at the train and exchanged goodbyes, waving at the four males as the train pulled out of sight. Once it was gone Minerva could not help but speak of the unusual walk down from the castle.

"Just what was that?" The aged witch exclaimed. "Not one single word between the two of them. No insults or-or names. Just silence. It even seemed like Sirius was going out of his way to behave. I've never seen anything like it." By this time she had slumped to the ground, tears rolling down her weathered cheeks.

The white haired headmaster gently raised her to her feet before pulling her close. "I don't know Min. I honestly don't know." He gazed in the direction the train had gone while the others exchanged worried looks.

Sirius Black was sitting in a compartment alone, staring out the window and thinking about the man who had been his enemy for over two decades. Despite common opinion he did have a lot of respect for Severus at least when it came to his potion skills. His respect had grown when Snape had saved him from that disgusting excuse of a woman. He had been prepared to bury the hatchet once they were safe. Yet for some reason he had continued to antagonize Severus and he had started to treat Remus the same. It just got worse when he saw the two of them with Harry and he was trying to figure out why. Since when did he decide who Remus and Harry could talk to or even make their friend?

He raised his hand and rubbed his temple, trying to remember when their friendship with Snape had started to bother him. His hand dropped to his lap as his eyes widened in surprise. It started when he had first woke. Remus had been sitting talking to Severus and didn't notice that Siri had woken. He could barely control his anger when it had happened and ended up lashing into Remus. That didn't explain his behavior over Harry. Was he jealous? He didn't think so because he couldn't think of anything to be jealous of. The fact that Harry and Remus treated Severus like family didn't bother him after all they treated him like that. Hell, Sev had even stopped snapping at him. But what was upsetting him so badly that he would threaten Snape like that. He shook his head and with a heavy sigh closed his eyes and began to dream.

A low fog rolled through the trees that surrounded him. He felt leaves and twigs under his paws. He could smell the scent of pine needles. His eyes could make out traces of an overgrown game trail. Something stirred in his mind. Like a serpent raising out of slumber the need to follow the trail grew until it had overwhelmed his senses. Before he knew it, he was moving forward. His body surged down the path silently pushing past the plants on either side. He saw a rotting tree trunk blocking the path. Muscles bunched then released propelling his body over the obstacle. The moment his paws touched the earth he slid to a complete stop.

Playing in the clearing in front of him were three packmates. They seemed somehow familiar. Almost as if he knew their scent. Confusion reigned in his mind. Should he join them? Did he even belong with them or were they rivals to his pack? He had his choice made for him as they stopped and turned to look in his direction. They stood quietly as if awaiting a silent signal. The wind played through the clearing carrying their scents to him. It was enough to calm the confusion raging inside him. Their scents called to him, welcomed him as pack. But he noticed something strange was also present in their scents, something that unnerved him. Something that caused him to slink out of the shadows with his head lowered. He came to a stop before the three. Eyes met eyes and as they began to move towards him a new scent stung his nose, a scent that he knew way too well, the one smell that would wake him no matter what was happening.

The scent was fear.

Sirius jumped to his feet with his wand out. He quickly realized that he was still alone. The acrid smell of fear still lingered in the air but was fading quickly. His wand fell on the seat as he slumped to his knees. Sirius' cradled his head in his hands as tears began to flow. He understood what had caused his behavior. The thought that Harry and Remus would no longer want him there now that they had Severus, a canine's fear of rejection by his pack…

His family.

A.N: See I managed to update. Remember to click the little button and send a review. You wouldn't want me to starve would you? 'Author begins chasing reviews with a plate in one hand and a fork in the other' Later people.