Chapter Four
"And just where are you going?" Harry asked. Sirius looked up, alarmed. His expression soon changed as he saw who it was.
"Out," he replied.
"Where?" Harry questioned. He walked over to stand in front of the door, blocking Sirius's exit. Sirius frowned.
"Why can't I go outside?"
"Several reasons," Harry replied. "But, I guess I can let you go outside if I come with you."
Sirius looked at Harry's feet. "Get some shoes on, then." He waited patiently until Harry was dressed. "Can I go out now?"
Harry grinned faintly, opening the door to let the blazing sunshine pour in. "So where were you planning to go?" Harry asked casually, closing the door behind him as he stepped out into the brilliant sunshine. Sirius shrugged.
"Anywhere. I felt too cooped up in there."
Harry felt a grin tugging at the side of his lips. "Sorry."
"It's all right," Sirius replied, looking ahead of him. "I know you think I'm some sort of imposture." Harry froze in his spot.
"I don't think that," Harry responded truthfully. Sirius turned around to look at him.
"You do," he said simply.
"All right," Harry admitted. He thrust his hands into his jean pockets, taking a few steps up. "I'll admit, I'm not sure what to think anymore."
"You can think whatever you want," Sirius said as softly as the summer breeze. "Because I don't care." Harry kept quiet, not knowing how to respond. So, Sirius continued. "I'm leaving." Harry's head shot up, looking at Sirius.
"What?"
"That's right," Sirius said more confidently. "I'm leaving."
"You can't leave!" Harry exclaimed, feeling astonished.
"And why can't I?" Sirius asked, turning around to face the boy. "Why not? You can't make me stay in that house forever."
"Y-you just can't," Harry stuttered. "Where would you go? You can't leave me again, Padfoot!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Sirius said with a shake of his head. He leaned up against a building that was behind him. "You think I'm someone that you thought was dead, at least, that's what I get out of this. What if I'm not?"
"You are though," Harry argued. "How could you have turned into that dog?"
"I don't know!" Sirius exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "I just don't know. But I do know that by tomorrow evening, I'm out of here."
"No, you're not," Harry said. "You're staying here."
"I'm not," Sirius argued, frowning. "Why are you arguing with me? You can't make me."
"No, I can't," Harry said. "But I want you to stay. Please, Sirius."
Sirius smirked. "You think your imploring will make me stay?" Harry's brow creased at Sirius's harsh voice.
"What?"
Sirius shook his head, looking weary. "I'm sorry," he took a deep breath. "I'm a little cranky. But really, Harry, I can't stay here anymore."
"Why not?" Harry asked, trying not to look or feel hurt. "I know you don't remember anything, Sirius, but you will. Please stay."
"I've made up my mind," Sirius said decidedly, staring into space. "Tomorrow evening I'm leaving. I'm sorry, but you'll just have to forget about me."
"I can't do that," Harry argued, feeling tears bubble in his eyes. "You can't leave. Please, Sirius." Sirius shook his head.
"Sorry, but I've made up my mind."
-
"He's what?" Remus exclaimed loudly as Harry retold his and Sirius's argument.
"That's right," Harry said. He sat down on the couch, folding his arms across his chest. "He's leaving tomorrow. I tried to persuade him not to, but he's so stubborn."
"We'll think of something," Remus said comfortingly, sitting down beside Harry. "He's not leaving."
Harry shook his head, unconvinced. Knowing Sirius, he'd somehow find a way to leave. "Speaking of Sirius, where is he?"
"Probably in his room," Remus answered. "He spends most of his time in there."
"D'you think maybe I could try talking him out of it again?" Harry said.
"You could try," Remus said. "But Sirius mind is set on this—it'll be hard to try to tell him otherwise." Harry got up and made his way down the hall to Sirius's room. He knocked on the door, waiting for Sirius to open up.
"Sirius?" Harry called when he didn't answer. "Open the door up, Sirius!" He tapped his foot on the hardwood floor impatiently when Sirius still didn't reply. "I don't care if I'm invading any privacy," Harry muttered to himself, reaching out for the handle. He turned it; the door swinging open. "Remus!" Harry called in a shaky voice. He grasped the handle tightly for support; his knuckles turning a sickly white. "Remus!" He hollered again when Remus didn't come.
"What?" Remus asked, coming up to Harry. He suddenly looked more concerned at Harry's pale expression. "Harry, what is it?"
"It's Sirius," Harry managed to get out. "He's gone."
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A/N: Sorry for the short update. Anyway, thank you very much for your reviews!