Chapter 29: The Escape

I awoke in the Hospital wing, surrounded by Harry Hermione and Ron in beds as well. I groaned and sat up, seeing Fudge and Snape beside Harry's bed talking. My moving made them look at me and Snape gave me a sneer. "I still say she should be locked up as well. Had to been in league with Black this whole time." I scoffed and went to get up, but my feet were a bit unsteady as I stood. I grabbed the chocolate from the table and took a small bite as I gripped the bed and made my way over to them. "Where is Black now?" "None of your concern, Professor Ice." Snape snapped and I turned to Madam Pomfrey.

"I am discharging myself, thank you. I need to speak with Headmaster Dumbledore. Excuse me." "You can't leave until we are sure you are not with Black and a danger to the students." I pulled my arm away from Snape's reaching grip and gave him a warning look. "Do not touch me. I am leaving and will not need company. I am a teacher of this school and will always protect our charges." I didn't let them say anything else as I left the room, moving as quickly as I could with my head pounding and my body feeling so weak still.

I was met with Dumbledore, who was apparently making his way to the Hospital wing and he smiled at me, greeting me, "Hello, Phoebe. Feeling better?" "Sirius is innocent. Peter is alive. You can't let them kiss him." "Phoebe, please, you need to rest. Come back to the wing, have some more chocolate." I shook my head, making more pain shoot through me. "Where is he, Dumbledore? I need to see him. If you can't stop the Kiss, please just let me see him one more time." he could see the desperation in my face when he sighed deeply and nodded. Telling me where I could find Sirius, I rushed forward, forgetting my pain and aches.

I made it to the room and was panting as I brushed the sweat from my brow. I pushed open the door that wasn't guarded at the moment and saw Sirius sitting by the window. "Sirius!" I breathed out, making him turn to see me. His smile was happy as he surged over to me, taking me into his arms. Our kiss was filled with passion and I gripped him tight, never wanting to let go. "Come on, let's go. We can go into hiding now. We can be together. Please just come with me." I pleaded, trying to pull him with me toward the ajar door. He planted his feet into the ground and stopped me.

"Phoebe, I cannot go. That will only make me seem less innocent." I punched him in the chest, making him cough. "You're a fool! We can go! You're so stubborn! Do you want to die?!" I felt the tears slipping over my eyes as I pounded my fist into his chest. He pulled me close to him and tucked my head under his chin, speaking quietly. "Of course I don't. I've found you again, I never want to let you go. I love you Phoebe." I gripped handfuls of his tattered robes and told him to not let me go, to run with me. "I won't allow you to bind yourself to me like that. Always on the run, never free again. I can't allow myself to be that selfish."

He pulled me away from him and untangled my hands from his clothing. He kissed me again, and when he pulled away, he asked, "Will you tell me you love me once more? That's all I need to hear. I can die happy then." I shook my head, refusing to answer. "Phoebe, please." he begged and I met his eyes, the eyes of the man I loved and nodded. "I love you, Sirius Black. Truly…forever."

His smile was wide as he gave me a final kiss and pushed me toward the door. "Go, before the guard comes back and it happens. I don't want you to see it." he went back to the window as I shut the door, tears flowing freely as I forced myself to walk down the stairs, stumbling and breathing heavily. I finally collapsed in a pocket, realizing it was the one we used to sneak into to be together. I lost control of my emotions and sobbed in the space I once shared with him, our first kiss, our first moment of care for each other. I couldn't move, I couldn't get myself together as I heard footsteps pass me, the air became chilly as the dementors were heading up.

I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep, crying myself into exhaustion until the sun was rising and blinding me. I shot up, rushing from my spot and down to the great hall, hoping to find Dumbledore. The castle was nearly empty of students and teachers, I assumed was in town enjoying the sunshine. I remembered that Remus must be changed back and feeling down on himself and I made my way to his office. He was packing his stuff and it clicked together that his secret was exposed and he was leaving for good. I walked over and he looked up, seeing my red eyes and makeup running down my face I was sure.

"Phoebe, what is it?" I shook my head, sinking into the chair with a huff. "He's gone. The dementors gave him the kiss last night. Another of our friends are gone. It's just us now, Remus." he didn't say anything for a while before he gave a chuckle. I looked up, feeling angry. "Did you not hear? It seems our Padfoot has escaped once again. Before the dementors arrived to perform the kiss, he was gone…vanished." I sat up quick, taking in his words…Sirius was alive? I smiled and hugged him tight, making him groan. "Sorry." "I didn't realize that you cared that much for Sirius. After all, you two never really got along did you?"

I chewed my lip, not wanting to reveal our secret until I saw him again, I wanted to be together when we told everyone. I changed the subject, "How was your night? Everything go well?" "As best as it could. Difficult." we talked about why he was leaving and that Snape had outted him to everyone and parents were very angry about a werewolf teaching their kids. "Stupid…the whole lot of them. You are the best teacher those kids have had I'm sure. You should stay anyways, try to fight it. Prove you are not a danger."

He gave me a knowing look and I rolled my eyes. "Okay okay, I get it. Better to just leave now. But please let me help you, Remus. I know it's difficult being what you are and jobs are hard for you because of that. I have more than enough money to assist you, my mother is always trying to spend it on me, I can just tell her I am buying stuff for me and just give it to you." he went to object, but I held up my hand. "I'm stubborn you know. I won't allow you to refuse me. So just deal with it. Just owl me when you have your address set up and I will pay you for your company and keeping me sane. You have a job now."

We spoke for a while longer and I excused myself, feeling so much better that I knew Sirius was alive at least. Still framed and not free, but breathing. I would find him again, I would be with him if it was the last thing I did. I caught a glimpse of Harry running down the halls toward Lupin's office and knew he was going to say goodbye as well. I sighed and went to my room, where Rain was pecking at the window, trying to get in. I noticed the note on her leg and let her in, taking it from her. I opened the letter and smiled at I read the scratchy writing.

*Letter*

Phoebe, my love… once again we are parted, but now there is a chance for a future together. No matter the distance or the things in our way, I will find my way back to you, always. I will hold you close to my heart as I go into hiding. Shine bright my darling and keep an eye on our godson. He will need you in the years to come. Be happy and I will write to you soon, I love you.

Sirius

PS: Peter will pay for his crimes…we will take him down together.

I read the note over and over, before hiding it into my secret spot, charmed to the teeth and unable to be reached by anyone other than myself. I showered and changed, feeling more myself at the thought of seeing Sirius again and the school year being over, I would need to return home to take care of my mother's post, to keep up the image of her being alive. Then I would go see Remus, we would keep it a secret that Sirius is innocent, until we got our hands on Peter once again and then we were going to be together again, one way or another.