SIRIUS

The deafening roar of the motorbike coursed through every particle in Sirius's body as he soared through the night sky. Never did he feel more alive than when the wind was whipping his long hair from his face, warm adrenaline in his bloodstream, the rest of the world passing beneath him in a mass of nightlights. The only thing that could make this ride more enjoyable was the presence of James on the back seat – but their joyrides and other midnight adventures had become fewer and fewer in the last year, ever since Dumbledore had, without much explanation, ordered James and Lily to go into hiding with their son.

However, tonight was no joyride. Sirius's destination was the hiding place of his other, fainter-hearted sidekick, Peter. In a surreptitious move, Sirius had convinced Peter to assume the role of the Potters' Secret Keeper as a bluff, since Sirius knew himself to be the more likely target of the Death Eaters. In consequence of this decision, Sirius had fully assured Peter that he would visit frequently to check his safety. Only Sirius, Peter, James and Lily knew about the switch, leaving both Remus and even Dumbledore out of the loop. He was not at all proud to admit it, but Sirius had his misgivings where Remus was concerned. It was no secret that nearly all the werewolves had now joined Voldemort's cause, and Sirius could only presume it was a matter of time before Remus became a spy for the Dark side, whether Remus wanted to or not.

Finally, Sirius nosed the bike into a long descent, until he touched down in the middle of a dry clearing on the edge of a forest. He killed the rumbling engine, collected the haversack he had brought along on the back seat, and, after a quick scan of the area, headed for the solitary shack half-concealed by the treeline.

He felt the subtle disturbances in the air as he passed through the many protective enchantments he and Peter had smothered the shack in less than a week ago. It had also been bewitched to make it look likely to crumble at any minute, to ward off curious Muggles, but the inside resembled a quaint country cottage.

Sirius glanced around again before knocking on the front door, then creaking it open.

'Only me, Wormy,' he said quietly upon entering the dark kitchen. 'Your babysitter's here, like we arranged …'

Once he clicked the door shut, Sirius paused.

'Out you come, Peter,' he said, louder this time. 'I was only joking about the babysitting. I've got food.'

He dropped the haversack on the kitchen table. The thud seemed twice as loud in the ongoing silence. Frowning, Sirius drew his wand from his jean pocket and, upon lighting it, found only the tidy kitchen and empty hallway.

'Homenum Revelio,' he muttered.

Nothing. Neither friend nor foe revealed their presence to him.

Sirius swore under his breath. Where the hell was Peter? Had the Death Eaters broken through and taken him, in spite of all their efforts? There was no sign of a struggle, no evidence of misfired curses or stained blood. Peter must have left of his own accord, the fool. If that were the case, Sirius would find it hard to forgive him, even if there was an innocent reason for Peter's absence. Unless –

No, thought Sirius firmly. You're overthinking it. Peter may be a brainless, bumbling little squit at times, but Sirius would never have made him Secret Keeper if he didn't wholeheartedly trust him. Still, he should visit Godric's Hollow … just in case.

He doubled back and climbed back onto the motorbike. As he kicked the huge engine into life and took off, his usual adrenaline was spiked with something darker: fear.

The journey to Godric's Hollow was a short one; at least, it seemed that way to Sirius, who had been distracted by his imagination running amok. When he descended towards the churchyard and the home of his best friend loomed into view, Sirius was filled with a sickening dread and knew instantly that his very worst fears had been confirmed.

He landed heavier than usual. Mesmerised by the devastation ahead, he let the handlebars slip from his numb fingers (the bike remained standing, unsupported) and stuttered towards the last house on the street.

Godric's Hollow had exploded. Rubble and glass scattered as far as Sirius's feet and a layer of it carpeted the ceiling-less living room; the master bedroom above had disappeared completely.

Sirius clutched the gate in an attempt to stop his hands shaking, and saw movement amidst the rubble. A moment later, the unmistakable figure of Hagrid emerged from the ruin, his shaggy head bowed. He was carrying something small in his arms.

'Who's there?' said Hagrid sharply, peering through the dark. 'Sirius, is that you?'

Sirius tried to answer but his voicebox was dry as dust. Instead he waited until Hagrid had reached the gate and saw the wailing baby wrapped in cloths.

'Sirius, I'm so sorry,' croaked Hagrid. The parts of his face not covered in hair were glistening with tear tracks. 'They're gone … both of 'em …'

Sirius said nothing. It was all he could do to keep his own tears in. He stared intently at the wrecked cottage for a moment, as though hoping to reverse what had happened with his eyes, and felt Hagrid's great hand on his shoulder. Sirius dropped his gaze to the crying baby.

'He's alive,' Sirius muttered.

'Yeah,' said Hagrid. 'He stopped him, Sirius. Little Harry stopped You-Know-Who. He's gone. How about tha', eh?'

Again, Sirius was lost for words. He could not bring himself to muster an ounce of relief or joy. He pushed aside a strand of Harry's thin hair, as black as his father's, to reveal something that had never been there before: a lightning-shaped scar.

'I can take him from here,' said Sirius. 'Give him to me, Hagrid, I'm his godfather, I'll look after him –'

'Can', Sirius,' said Hagrid, shaking his head. 'I'm on strict orders from Dumbledore to take him to his aunt an' uncle's –'

'Hagrid, please, James would've wanted me to take care of him –'

'No,' said Hagrid firmly. 'I'm sorry, Sirius, I gave Dumbledore my word.'

The fight left Sirius. He felt dead, empty.

'Of course,' he muttered, then indicated his bike. 'Here, take this. Get Harry there safely.'

'Blimey, Sirius – Are you sure?'

'Yes. I won't be needing it any more. Not now …' Not now James is gone, he finished in his head. He could already feel the tide of memories ready to wash over him. All those rides together … they had once escaped Muggle police on this bike, howling with laughter as they flew off …

Hagrid was giving Sirius an odd look as he swung a leg over the bike, and it occurred to Sirius in that moment that Hagrid still thought he was – or had been – James and Lily's Secret Keeper – but then Hagrid looked away to start the engine and Sirius was saved the necessity of having to explain himself. He turned away before Hagrid had the chance to bid him farewell.