A/N: J.K. Rowling is the proud owner of everything you recognise.

Chapter 3 – The Development

At Sirius's ripe age, it did seem odd to be taking an OWL. His arch eye suddenly saw how pointless the questions asked of pupils truly were. Sure, it had not seemed that way at the point of his first entry, but with hindsight he understood how little this information would actually benefit any budding witch or wizard when they were to meet with the real Wizarding World.

Sirius believed life experience was the only thing to be gained that was ever of any value. Sirius allowed himself a moment to explore the revelation that he most certainly possessed more of it than the other teenagers, or indeed the professors, residing in the hall.

Unfortunately, although these factors did invoke some sense of comfort for our hero, neither could change the fact that History of Magic was hopelessly difficult. Sirius did not have the slightest awareness of how he was supposed to remember and list each of Wendelin the Weird's forty seven disguises worn when she was burnt at the stake. Nor did he could he describe in detail the curses Egyptian wizards had put on Tutankhamen's tomb. When he reached the section asking him to explain the reasons for the split of the Hogwarts's founders, he felt he had answered well. For that particular period of time had always interested him greatly. It was too relevant for him to possibly forget, and he noted down points even the most studious of pupils would not have recollected.

It was this question which prompted him to recognise the paper somewhat. He vaguely remembered that it was, in fact, his excellent final answer that had been the reason for his attaining an Outstanding in the subject, despite his apparent lack of knowledge throughout. He hoped he had again responded as thoroughly.

After completing each page of parchment, Sirius folded it neatly and placed on the corner of his desk. It was perfectly positioned for the professor to take efficiently so it could be marked. Sirius was surprised at his behaviour, but considered that the over-examination occurring at school meant it had most likely grown into a reflex reaction. It was not the sole one to have developed from endless examination. Unconsciously, Sirius glanced across the rows of students encircling him. He was, as most pupils do, attempting to tell whether others had too finished. For he did not want to be done early, as this could signify he could have made mistakes, yet he did not want to be late either. For reasons that are, of course, understandable. Fortunately these fears were rapidly relieved. Around half the students were currently checking through their papers, and the rest were writing diligently.

There were merely three exceptions to this rule. Firstly, and most obviously, there was Sirius himself. Next, there was James Potter, who was currently splayed out across his seat in much the same manner as he had been in the common room armchair earlier that morning. Even Sirius could not quite comprehend his cause of his ease, although he did not doubt he himself behaved in a similar fashion at that age.

However, Sirius gradually realised that he had not properly interpreted that which was before him. James's retention of composure had nothing at all to do with ease. Sirius was disappointed in himself for assuming so. A casual observer, perhaps would deduce that as their conclusion, but Sirius, with his in-depth knowledge of the subject, should have certainly known better. For James was presently over-conscious of himself. He was acting to impress his nearby peers.

And, evidently, one in particular. For James was looking directly to the left of him, grinning inanely at the third and final finished individual.

Lily Potter.

"Evans," he muttered. His speech was close to silent, so as not to disrupt the examination. However, it was loud enough for the name to clutch desperately to his memory, which was the purpose of his outburst. It could cause some trouble if he began to call her Lily Potter in the vicinity of any being bar himself. Even if this was post death, Sirius did not think this could be in any way wise.

Sirius saw Lily sigh at James's exertion. Sirius was not taken aback, yet he still felt saddened at the failing of all his friend's effort.

Lily then chose to stare straight through James.

From Sirius's angle it almost appeared as if she was looking at him.

He forced his gaze downwards swiftly.

"Do you think you could possibly keep your eyes off me in our next OWL, Potter?" Lily said stubbornly.

James pretended to look shocked.

"Whatever do you mean, Evans?" he gasped.

"You know what I bloody mean!"

Lily was gritting her teeth by this point. It did not take much to recognise how entirely irritated she was. James angered her generally, but since this was concerning OWL qualifications, an extremely serious matter – she was positively seething. Sirius could empathise with her, for she could in theory have been distracted by James's adoration. However, he did believe that since she had finished her paper before James had behaved at all immaturely, she was over-reacting somewhat.

This did not prevent him feeling a distinct pang of embarrassment at his dear friend's behaviour. This embarrassment only increased as James continued to speak. Somehow his retorts did not seem as hilarious, or as intelligent, as they had been when Sirius had first heard them. The newly formed age difference between the two suddenly seemed so clear to him.

"Fine, fine. I will promise to keep my eyes off you, Evans, hard as that is. As long, of course, as you promise to keep yours on me. Obviously I will make allowances when you are eating, doing homework or vice versa."

Lily shook her head immediately, before throwing up her hands in exasperation.

She sounded fairly breathless as she said, "I won't be able to do that without vomiting, Potter."

"Now, we both know that isn't true. Don't we?"

James's eyebrows were raised, and his calm tone provided a welcome contrast to Lily's agitated one.

"You never stop bothering me, do you Potter? You just can't fit it into that big head of yours that I really don't like you."

Lily was now panting. Her strong temper would not allow her to drop the glare she had fixated on James, and it would certainly not let her leave. James's wish to retain as much of his pride as possible was the factor preventing him from walking away. So, both remained utterly stationary for a moment.

Lily ended this, not by leaving, but by forcing James to. If he had not have done, he would not only have lost his pride, but his dignity also.

"I never will like you. Ever."

"What's wrong with her, Sirius?"

This was the only question that had managed to penetrate the thick silence which had fallen between the friends since they had left Lily alone in the corridor. And it presented Sirius with so many opportunities.

Firstly, Sirius wished to inform James of the mistakes in his behaviour. Next, he wanted to order him to stop behaving so childishly. And finally, he longed to advise him on the appropriate changes he must make to win Lily's heart.

However, Sirius did not do any of these things. He told himself this was because James was not looking to him for a serious response. He told himself James was only asking for comedy, as a weak antidote to his wounded pride. And he, Sirius, would reply accordingly.

"Dunno, mate. She's probably PMSing."

"Good old Padfoot!" James laughed.

Sirius protested that this could indeed be a realistic option, because his sisters had always behaved in a similar fashion once each month, as they continued their journey to Gryffindor Tower. Consequently, the second half of the walk passed considerably faster than the first.

Different concerns caused the two boys to bound equally hastily up the stairs to the Boys' Dormitory. James wanted, at least for the moment, to remain hidden. He stated that this was because he did not want Lily to spot him, for fear his presence would cause her to feel uncomfortable. Sirius could not doubt that this was included in his present list of worries, however he doubted it had positioned itself at the forefront. Sirius suspected James to be much more concerned of others' perceptions of the event. It was likely he had decided that if he could remain unseen, the incident could stay unheard. Or as unheard as was possible. Therefore, James had wandered to his bed and proceeded to seat himself. Sirius observed he had arched himself over somewhat.

Sirius's reason for wanting to visit the dormitory was definitely simpler, a phenomenon that surprised even him. All he needed was to collect a new quill, for the feather on his had snapped within the course of the day's exam. He presumed he still kept his stationary under his bed, as he always had done. He stooped himself over, so as to manoeuvre his hand underneath effectively.

Abruptly, he became motionless.

This was not because he had located the quill, but rather because he thought he had heard a sound originating from that point. He paid further attention, and was about to conclude it must have been his imagination, when he heard it once again. He could perceive it a little more this time. It was faint, and had echoed hugely, but had still revealed additional and vital details to him. For now, he knew it had most definitely been a voice. Although, of course, the poor quality of it meant he could not recognise its owner. However he could make out a much more important issue. It had called his name.

Harry explained each detail of his conversation with Dumbledore to Ron and Hermione, and before long they appeared as puzzled as he felt.

"So he is backwards in time, but still in our world?" Ron asked, again.

"Harry has already explained this four times, Ronald."

Ron winced at the use of his full Christian name, but Hermione ignored his reaction in favour of continuing.

"Sirius could be anywhere, in any place – and in any time. But he is still running in the same time line as us, so any choices he makes can affect the present. It isn't difficult to understand."

"Thank you Hermione. I think I understand now," Ron smirked.

Harry groaned, before participating in some private mumbling as he waited for an end to Ron and Hermione's current bickering. This was not done in a random manner. It was actually quite to the contrary. For Harry was merely repeating aloud the phase that been haunting his mind since its release.

"If he wanted you to help him, I'm sure he would have left you a way to do it."

Over the years, Harry had grown to realise that there was always an underlying importance within any information or sign given by the headmaster. No matter how insignificant the initial comment seemed, it would house a crucial clue. He did not doubt that this was again the case. Harry even went as far as to presume this was one of the more reasonable statements, yet he still could not understand its meaning. For how could Sirius have come to know he would become lost in time? And how could Sirius have left him a means in which to cope with it?

He was sure Sirius had not informed him of any way in which to contact the past.

Yes, he was sure of it, he decided, whilst sighing at his own hopelessness.

The exhalation was not only apparent to him, it had not gone unnoticed by his friends either. They duly asked if he was alright.

"It's just something Dumbledore said. I can't seem to understand what he meant."

Hermione nodded for him to continue, and as he did so, her bemused expression began to alter. Soon there was, in its place, a familiar and welcome smile.

Harry understood immediately and was on the verge of asking her the line's meaning, when Ron spoke earlier.

"What do you know then, Hermione?" he asked, in a tone that could be perceived by some as mocking.

She rolled her eyes at him, before fixing them on Harry.

"Didn't Sirius give you a present, Harry, when you left number twelve Grimmauld Place? I think you should probably check that."

Ron nodded in agreement, although he himself had not played any part in the suggestion.

As Dumbledore's intentions became clear as clear could be, Harry's heart began to race.

"Use it if you ever need me, all right?"

Those had been Sirius's words as he had handed it to him. And with that, he knew. He knew he was going to be able tell Sirius everything, right now.

He threw his arms around Hermione in gratitude, before rushing upstairs and opening his trunk. He rooted around until he came across a small, badly wrapped package laying in one corner. Ripping away the opaque covering revealed to him an old, square mirror. Harry was, at first, puzzled - however this grew into complete jubilation as he read its accompanying note.

"If you need to speak to me, just say my name into it."

Excitement was overwhelming him, causing his hands to tremble as he raised the mirror slowly to his face.

Loudly and clearly, he said, "Sirius."

He then stared into his own blinking green eyes, waiting and longing for them to be replaced by the deeper grey pair belonging to his godfather. It was heart-breaking that this did not happen as he had assumed.

He cleaned the mirror's surface quickly, as his own breath had caused it to turn somewhat misty. He then gulped, as he resolved to try once more.

"Sirius Black!"

His own eyes, and his own crushing disappointment were his only response. Yet, he could not quite bring himself to relinquish all hope. For his headmaster was never wrong, and Harry had faith in that. He prepared to call again, when he was stopped by Hermione's entry into the dormitory.

"Harry!"

He wiped his face of any tears that had formed during his efforts, and then turned to face her.

"It isn't working, Hermione." he whispered. He was caught in an extremely fragile state, and was struggling to think rationally. For example, he could only assume the worst possible meanings for Sirius's silence.

Hermione cleared her throat.

"This is very difficult, Harry."

He nodded his head wildly.

"I know, Hermione. I don't know how to make him answer."

However, she only appeared more distraught at this reply, and her voice wavered as she continued to speak.

"That isn't what I mean, Harry. I think we need to consider the possible effects Sirius releasing himself from the past could have. If he changes his mistake, it could affect the nature adversely."

Sirius decided he was truly paranoid. He had imagined voices calling his name, for god's sake! That was definitely not the marking of a sane man. He listened intently again, still clinging to the hope that he would find the origin of this so-called voice. However he did not. The voices had certainly stopped.

Sirius supposed he could at least seek solace in the fact that he had distinguished that the voice was an imagining. That proved he had hold of at least some of his mind. But then he did believe he was in his teenage body, trapped in his past. So perhaps he didn't after all.

He chose to forget about finding a new quill, and instead go to the Great Hall and get some lunch to bring back to the common room. This would, at best, clear his mind, and at worst, fill his now growling stomach.

James gave him an order of pumpkin juice, a chicken ham sandwich and a jam doughnut, since he could not venture out himself.

"Unhealthy, much? You are a disgrace, James Potter!" Sirius laughed as he left the dormitory.

Sirius was heartened to see the hall decked with its usual four long House tables. He was not sure he could have borne the tarnished sight of it without them. Not again. He had to prevent himself from gazing happily at the table belonging to Gryffindor. He wanted to look up and down it repeatedly. He longed to scan each and every inch – so as he could lock it within his memory properly.

Unfortunately he had not the time. For Sirius knew he must be swift. There were many Gryffindors already dining, and he was fearful one in particular might be among them. He knew he could not risk being spotted by Peter Pettigrew, for fear of what he could be capable of if he were to see him. And the uncertain nature of this world meant he could not guess at the effect any action would have on it. Regrettably, this meant he could not be seen by Remus either, as his friend was sure to be in Pettigrew's company.

So, Sirius took the food James had requested from the laden table, then picked up something he thought he himself would eat. Relieved at not seeing Pettigrew, he then turned, and proceeded to leave.

"Sirius!"

Sirius flinched. His initial concerns had made him tense, and he had assumed if he were to be caught, it would be by Pettigrew. However, the gentle nature of the voice soon led him to its rightful owner.

"I don't like you either you know."

Sirius bowed his head, meaning that as he twisted himself around, he did not actually have to look at Lily's face.

"I know," he growled.

"Can you please actually look at me?" she implored.

Sirius gulped, but did as she had asked. Her features were much softer than they had appeared that morning, and she had regained her usual vivaciousness.

"Thank you," she said, and she flicked her dark red hair over her shoulder.

Sirius noticed she bit her lip before speaking again.

"I do feel bad about this morning. I really do."

Sirius remained silent.

"It's just, I don't know. I can't bring myself to give him a chance, Sirius. He is horribly big-headed, and he hexes everyone. He is cruel to Severus, even though Sev is my friend."

"Why are you telling me this, Lily?" he sighed. He attempted to make himself seem as if the question held no interest for him, however, he sadly failed.

She lowered her head.

"I guess- I guess I am just confused. I guess, OWLs make everything seem worse than it actually is."

She appeared desperate, and indeed Sirius even observed her green eyes now had gained a distinct shine.

This observation gave Sirius a chance to embrace Lily Evans, of course in a way as such to comfort her. He only patted her on the back gently, after all.

"I'm as immature as James is, you know."

Lily laughed, and pulled away from him slightly.

"I do know that. You occasionally seem a little less conceited, and little more empathic - is all. You wouldn't be as unthinking as he would, at least, I hope you wouldn't."

Sirius's breath caught, and he felt for a moment as if he would not be able to shift it. It was a welcome alternative to focusing on his current thoughts at least. He had remembered this brief friendship that had existed between Lily and himself, but he had attempted to avoid it since his point of arrival in this time. It did not feel right that they should have ever been closer than Lily was to James, no matter how meaningless or short the relation. It had previously been safely stored away, however recent reunions had brought it firmly to his attention.

"I have to go," he muttered, before running from the hall.

In his haste, he dropped James's pumpkin juice - and did not even say goodbye to Lily.

That was a bit of a long one! Well for me anyway, my chapters are normally a little shorter than that.

Thank you for reviewing so far, it would really mean the world if you could continue to do so.

Any more ideas on Sirius's mistake? I want to see if it is guessed before it is revealed. And well done to oXXb00kw0rmXXo for guessing the two-way mirrors!

xx