Stupid computer has a virus. But the solution? Do the chapter at college! Yeah, they'll think I'm doing homework or summat. Forrest you reviewed! You had me worried there! I thought you'd gone off 'Embers'! Thanks to everyone who reviewed.

Disclaimer: Don't look at me! As if I could write the Harry Potter books!

Thoughts

Flashbacks

Scene/time changes.

There's a poll at the end of the chapter I hope you'll send in your ideas!

Lucius bowed to Voldemort. He hated bowing to him, when he got a large enough force gathered together he would overthrow the snake and take his place. But he had to bow to 'his Lord', for now. "My Lord I have good news. I have just seen Black in Diagon Alley. Unfortunately Potter, Pettigrew and Lupin were with him."

Voldemort smiled icily. "So he has decided to make an appearance. We must get hold of him again."

"But my Lord, Potter could have told Black his side of the story. What if Black believes him?"

Voldemort glared at Lucius. "I am sure I can persuade Black otherwise."

Lucius backed off. "Off course my Lord."

Voldemort steepled his fingers. "Call up a meeting Malfoy. It is time we restarted our search for Black. If Potter knows that Black is alive then it will be much easier to blackmail him." Lucius held out his right arm and bit his lip in pain as Voldemort ran his skeleton like finger over the Dark Mark to call his Deatheaters. "Round them up in the main hall."

Lucius bowed and left the room. He hurriedly made his way to the entrance hall where the Deatheaters were assembling and pointed them in the direction of the main hall.

Severus came out of the room he had hidden in when Malfoy came out of the Dark Lord's chambers. So Sirius is alive? I wonder why he didn't contact me. He quickly checked to see if the corridor was empty and made his way downstairs for the meeting. He took his place next to Malfoy and listened to the curious yet terrified whispers of the lower ranks. The doors flew open and Voldemort entered causing the lower ranks to jump. Severus rolled his eyes behind his mask. Very dramatic, we're all so scared. Voldemort took his place in a seat at the head of the group of Deatheaters assembled before him. His stone cold gaze swept the hall and he smiled wickedly.

"I bring you here today to tell you that Sirius Black has been spotted. I want you all to keep your eyes open, even when you are off duty. Malfoy and Lestrange will put you into search groups." He smirked. "A reward will be given to the first person to find Black. I want him brought to me alive." His cold, red-eyed gaze swept the hall once more. "You are dismissed, with the exception of Malfoy and Lestrange."

The Deatheaters left the hall quickly lest Voldemort set the Cruciatus curse upon them, or worse killed them. Severus sighed and followed the crowd out of the hall. He looked back and saw Voldemort talking urgently to Lucius and a serious looking Bellatrix. I must tell Dumbledore. Maybe Malfoy and Lestrange will talk about it outside of headquarters. I'll follow them and find out what they're up to. Severus took off his mask and apparated to his rooms in Hogwarts for some well earned sleep.

Peter's House.

Sirius read through the letters addressed to James and written in his own hand. Sirius sighed. I wish I could remember. He folded up the letter and put it back in the trunk. He sat back and stretched out his legs. The clock chimed nine o' clock. They should be up soon. Thought Sirius. Sure enough, five minutes later Remus appeared in the living room. He smiled at Sirius.

"Morning Padfoot."

"Already?" Sirius yawned. Remus raised an eyebrow in question. "Couldn't sleep." Mumbled Sirius. "I had a disturbing dream and came down here at six." Trix rubbed his head against Sirius' hand.

Remus sat down in an armchair opposite Sirius. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Sirius sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Well I was sat here looking out of the window when I noticed a shadowy figure peering in. I followed it. It led me through mazes and dark tunnels. I lost it when I came to a dead end. I turned around to leave but Voldemort blocked my path. I can't quite remember what he said but he mentioned something about a prophecy. Then the floor opened up and I was falling and that's I woke up."

Remus frowned. "Hmm…well I'm not good at reading dreams but I can help with the prophecy bit. There was a prophecy made about Voldemort and the person who'd bring about his downfall. The thing is we don't know who this person is."

"So my dream could be a sign?"

Remus laughed. "Padfoot, everything is a sign with you!"

Sirius smiled. "Yeah I got that through the letters." His face fell. "I wish I could remember writing them and the incidents that I write about!" he buried his head in his hands.

Remus patted his back and sighed. "You'll remember eventually Padfoot." He said in comfort. But secretly Remus was unsure. People sometimes regained their memories, but the majority didn't.

"But what if they don't" Sirius growled in frustration. He got up and went up stairs.

Remus shook his head. Poor Padfoot. There must be something we can do to help. Thank God Dumbledore's back today; he has to know something that can help us. Sirius came downstairs, dressed, and headed for the door. "Where're you going Padfoot?" Remus asked suspiciously.

"Out. I'll be back for tea." He closed the door behind him.

Sirius thrust his hands into his pockets and moodily stomped off from Hogsmede. I hate the red-eyed, devious bastard! Bloody trying to make me one of his doormats! I swear when I get hold of him I'll…I'll… Sirius growled in frustration, knowing that he'll never be able to get his revenge because Voldemort would kill him before he could even draw his wand. He ran his fingers through his raven black hair and looked around to see where he was.

Before him was a two storey terrace house which was in a very bad state of repair. The windows were black with dirt and cobwebs, the wooden fence was rotten and grass, nettles and wild flowers hid part of it. Ivy climbed its face as high as the crumbling chimney and the roof had gaps where brown tiles had once protected the interior from the worst of the English weather. Sirius frowned. I've been here before. Flashes of his lost past swept through his mind, each one fuzzy but staying longer each time. He sat down on the damp grass with his head in his hands. He shoulder began to shake. " Why hast thou forsaken me Lord? WHY?" he yelled in frustration at the grey sky.

"I am sure he would tell you." Answered a cold voice from behind him.

Sirius spun around. The surprise on his face was replaced by anger. "What do you want?" he growled.

Malfoy smiled coldly. "You shouldn't have run away Fellowes. Lord Voldemort was very displeased." He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Sirius. "Now, are you going to come quietly or do I have to stun you?" he held out an old shoe. Sirius took his hand away from his wand and touched the shoe, glaring at Malfoy. "Shame. I was looking forward to stunning you."

Sirius' reply was interrupted by a tug at his navel. They landed in the entrance hall of Riddle Manor. Malfoy straightened his robes and indicated to Sirius to go first. He followed Sirius up the stairs with his wand trained on Sirius' back not noticing the black robed figure stealthily following them up the stairs.

Sirius was, possibly, in the worst mood he could ever remember being in. He was furious that Voldemort was bringing him to him. How dare he try to butt into my life again! Sirius glared at one of the Deatheaters who was coming down the stairs, the Deatheater cowered and ran off. Sirius approached Voldemort's rooms, Malfoy shoved him to one side and knocked on the door. Sirius frowned as a Deatheater hid in a shadowed alcove, he had little time to ponder over it as Malfoy had roughly pulled him into the room.

"Ahhh Fellowes, it is nice to see you again." Voldemort chuckled menacingly from the shadows of his winged armchair.

Sirius said nothing even though he wanted to curse Voldemort. He knew if he did he'd get put under the Cruciatus curse or worse, killed.

"Leave, Malfoy." Lucius bowed and glared at Sirius on his way out. Voldemort rose from his chair and circled Sirius. "There is no need to be afraid of me, Fellowes. I will not hurt you, whatever Potter has said to you is not true."

"Don't lie to me Voldemort! I know the truth!" yelled Sirius.

Voldemort feigned concern. "He didn't tell you that your friendship ended?" doubt crossed Sirius' face and Voldemort smiled coldly. "Ye Fellowes. You must believe me, have I ever lied to you?"

Sirius frowned in thought. Could he be telling the truth? Sirius thought back to the past week with James, Remus and Peter. Could they really be lying to him? No! No one could fake their concern and the photos were all real. I was happy with them. He glared at Voldemort. "Nice try, but I know who my friends are and where my loyalties lie."

A cold anger crossed Voldemort's face. "Then you leave me no choice, Black." He hissed in a cold, serpentine manner. He drew his wand "Crucio."

But Sirius' Auror senses kicked in and he dodged the curse causing it to slam into the oak door with an almighty thud. "Expelliarmus!"

Voldemort flicked up a shield. "Obliviate."

Sirius dodged it. "Stupefy."

Voldemort sidestepped it, his eyes blazing. "Rafale."

Sirius narrowly escaped the curse as it blasted the door off its hinges. From where he was crouching Sirius eyed the exit wondering whether he should go for it. He watched as Voldemort came closer. Sirius made up his mind. He kicked a table at Voldemort and ran for the door. A jet of blue light narrowly missed his head as he skidded round the corner to the head of the stairs. Sirius turned around and braced himself, knowing that he wouldn't be able to escape once Voldemort had called his minions. Sure enough, Lucius Malfoy appeared in the corridor flanked by two large Deatheaters.

"You'll never escape Black. Why don't you just beg Lord Voldemort for mercy and he might go easy on you." Said Malfoy, drawing his wand.

Sirius growled. "Make me."

Malfoy smirked. "I am going to enjoy this. Crucio."

Sirius threw up a shield. "Protego. Expelliarmus."

"Reducto."

Sirius jumped aside. "Stupefy."

Malfoy dodged it; unfortunately one of his minions got hit. "Crucio."

Sirius bit his lip in pain. He rolled out of the way with great effort. Malfoy smiled coldly, obviously enjoying himself. "Crucio."

Sirius rolled away and stood up shakily. "Impedimenta." Malfoy went flying backwards into the other Deatheater. "Petrificus Totalus. Stupefy." That should keep him down for a bit.

"Impedimenta." Cried a Deatheater from behind him. Sirius just dodged it but he lost his balance and fell down the stairs, knocking his head on the stone floor. Bellatrix rushed down and pointed her wand at Sirius, who was fighting to stay conscious. "Crucio."

Sirius couldn't stop himself from screaming in pain as he was assaulted by more pain. The curse broke off suddenly and Bellatrix crumpled to the floor. Above him was a man with greasy black hair looking over him in concern. "Try to stay conscious, Rus, I'm taking you to Hogwarts." Sirius gasped for breath and tried to fight off the blackness that was threatening to consume him. The man whispered 'portus' to make a portkey. He held it out and Sirius weakly touched it.

They appeared in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. Madame Pomfrey hurried out of her office and gasped. "Good Lord, Sirius?" Severus looked up and nodded. "What happened?" she helped Severus carry Sirius to a bed. Severus hurriedly explained as Madame Pomfrey attempted to heal the unconscious Sirius. She shook her head. "I know you two always came back to Hogwarts with bruises from the summer, nut this is taking the biscuit." She looked at Severus. "Are you intact?"

Severus nodded. "I'll have to tell Dumbledore and Rus' friends." He left the hospital wing, knowing that his cousin was in safe hands. He was knocked from his thoughts by bumping into someone.

"Watch where you're going Snape." Snapped James.

Severus glared at him. How can Rus stand him? "Where're you going Potter?" spat Severus.

"Dumbledore's office."

Severus noticed James' worried look and sighed. "Will Lupin and Pettigrew be there?"

James frowned. "Yeah, why?"

"Something I need to tell all of you." He pushed past James and continued on to Dumbledore's office. James followed wondering what could have possibly have got Snape so worried.

Remus and Peter were already there when Severus and James arrived. Dumbledore looked worried. "Well James?"

James shook his head. "No sign of him Albus." He sat down miserably.

"If you're referring to Sirius, then he's in the hospital wing." James, Remus and Peter looked at him in confusion and worry.

"Why? What happened? What did you do to him?" shot James in accusation.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "I did nothing, Potter. Voldemort had him kidnapped and as he tried to get away he got into a fight with Malfoy, Lestrange, Crabbe and Goyle. I was the one who brought him back."

"What the hell does he want with Sirius?" James yelled at no one in particular.

"I have my suspicions, James." Said Dumbledore calmly and thoughtfully.

James glared at him and was about to shout before Remus cut in. "What do you think Albus?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "There is no point in worrying you about something that might not be true."

"Albus I would like to know why Voldemort is so interested in Sirius." Said James weakly.

"A prophecy made when you boys were in your last year at Hogwarts."

Severus nodded. "Voldemort was on about a prophecy." He frowned. "But he's always been interested in Sirius."

Dumbledore sighed. "No doubt because of his bloodline." Dumbledore stood up. "I shall keep you from him no longer."

They left the office and headed towards the hospital wing. Remus looked curiously at Severus. Since when did he call Sirius by his first name?

They came to the hospital wing doors and were stopped by Madame Pomfrey who refused to let them in. James managed to talk her round to letting them have ten minutes and they quietly entered. Sirius was lying in one of the beds, pale and bruised against the pillows. James fell into one of the chairs, shocked at the appearance of his best friend. Remus and Peter followed suit. Severus sighed and turned to leave. He didn't like seeing Sirius like this. Remus and Peter left five minutes later after making sure that James was ok, he refused to leave Sirius' bedside.

The ward fell silent. James took Sirius' hand and gave it a squeeze. "You'll be alright Padfoot." He said to reassure himself. Tears filled his eyes. "You'll pull through."

Wipes away tears so how did you guys find it? I really enjoyed writing it and the next one should be done soon.

I now have a poll for you guys.

Shall I do a Dark Embers? Where Sirius joins up with Voldemort instead of leaving?

OR

Shall I drop Harry (after OoTP)in Embers and see what happens?

Review me your ideas!

I'll go know and get the next chapter sorted. Bye!

Nooka