~*~Ann's POV~*~

I frown as I read the newspaper. More death, disappearance and panic. It seems that whatever Voldemort wanted, he was getting it. And it doesn't look like he is going to stop his "work" any time soon. Father had told me when I arrived that he had retracted his thought about volunteering me for the Duck Lord's services. Father said that he's starting to think that Voldemort is not on the right track to get done what he wants. I don't care what father's reasoning is, I'm just glad that he decided to go against his original thoughts. For one, I would never be a good little Death Muncher. I don't agree with the company policies. And two, it would probably go against my job as an Auror. Turning the page in the paper, I wonder if I may be psychic.

Department of Magical Law Enforcement Changes Auror Training.

In a surprising move, the DMLE changed their time period of Auror Training from three years to a year and a half. This change is brought into effect due to the problems that the Auror department is facing with the threat of Lord Voldemort. This time change will take place immediately, excluding the current Auror class, class 906, and will be effective until a better strategy is found. While this seems to be an intelligent move, one must ask themselves if our Aurors will be able to handle the challenges brought to them with this reduction in training, or if they will be overwhelmed by the terrors that our world is currently facing?

I bite my lip and tap the article with my finger. This could cause some problems, but I think that it's an overall good move. It would be better if the Aurors could get training while in Hogwarts, but I don't know if the DMLE would allow that. It would also be a good idea if they changed their uniforms. Those red robes and cloaks are entirely too obvious.

I hear a rustling at the hole my mail comes through and glance over at it. A black and white owl flies in and lands on my desk. I smile at it and run my fingers down it's spine.

"Hello Vlad. It's been a long time since I last saw you," I say, taking the letter from him. I hand the bird and owl treat and open Sirius's letter.

Ann,

I never thought I would say this, but I love this summer! It's great living at James's place. The only thing is, I'm having some problems. Apparently dear mum and dad don't want to let me go quite so easily, which is making this both a pain in the arse and confusing as hell. Why can't they make up their bloody minds? I swear, my family is full of nutters.

This isn't exactly a completely social letter either. I was kind of wondering if you know if it's normal to feel as though you miss, I guess that's the best word, Dark Magic? I know that sounds completely crazy, and I'm not too thrilled about it either, but I honestly feel as though there's something of me that is missing. I know it sounds odd, but that's the only thing I can think of, other than Reg, but I know that he can't come over and write him often enough for him to have wallpapered his room in my letters. You're the only person I could think of who might know what I'm talking about and won't freak out on me. Please help.

Sirius

I re-read Sirius's letter a couple of times. As much as I hate to admit it, it sounds like his magic may be going through withdrawal. He's been around Dark Magic since birth, and has probably been using it, on and off, since he was young. It sounds like how I felt when I started Hogwarts. I didn't realise it at the time, but I became used to that constant flow of Dark Magic in and around me. Sirius is probably going through the same thing, though I'm surprised that he didn't recognize it.

'But he's only been using Dark Magic for a couple of summers. He didn't really use it beforehand. Not like you did. Plus his parents probably didn't use it on him that much, after all the Blacks are far more bureaucratic than the Grimwoods.' I frown at the thought and pull out a quill and some parchment.

Sirius,

Don't know what to tell you about your family, but they've never exactly been sane. Anyway, I think you may be going through withdrawal. It seems like the best answer. You were raised around a lot of Dark Magic and recently started using it a lot during the summers, so it's bound to be in your system. Dark Magic can become addictive to people, especially if they aren't used to it. You should be fine so long as you don't start going crazy. Well, crazier than you are. If you notice any significant change in your personality or attitude, let me know so I can figure out what's happening, all right? Have fun with James, and I'll see you sometime, I hope, before September.

Ann

I tap my wand on the parchment, using a spell to dry the ink and then place it in an envelope and send it off to Sirius. Hopefully he'll listen to me.

~+~Sirius's POV~+~

Lightning flashes and I don't even flinch. My body is soaked with rain, but I don't care. I keep having nightmares and nothing I do gets rid of them. My feet swing back and forth as I look out over the Potter's land. It's beautiful, but I don't notice that right now. All I see are the shadows that stretch dark and deep across the land, becoming less obvious, yet more menacing in the lightning.

"Padfoot! What the hell are you doing?" James yells from inside the house.

"Sitting in the rain."

"I can see that. Why are you sitting on the railing of the balcony though? If you're going to be crazy and sit in the middle of a thunderstorm, at least be sure you won't fall to your death!"

I chuckle, "I won't fall."

I hear James mutter under his breath, not caring to decipher what he's saying, but I keep watching the storm. Inside my head is just as wild as outside, and I can't help but wonder if I'm finally falling from the edge of sanity.

~+~SB~+~

Climbing onto the train, I feel myself getting slightly twitchy. So many people, too many. I frown. Since when have I been against being around a bunch of people? Shaking my head, I walk to our usual compartment and sit in one of the window seats. James soon ducks into the compartment with me, laughing slightly.

"This is going to be a good year," he says.

I grin, "Merlin I hope so. No OWLs to prepare for!"

The door opens and Remus walks in and places his bag in his chair before walking out. Before the door closes, we hear him telling off some kids about trying to plant dungbombs in one of the compartments and confiscating the bombs.

"And Remus is at it all ready," James says, a fond grin on his face, "He may not be able to control us, but he does wonders for the rest of the Hogwarts population."

I chuckle, "I don't think there's anyone who can control the Marauders."

"Well Merlin I hope not," Peter says as he walks in. He's got a nice tan from his family's trip to Italy this year and grins at us.

"We're all accounted for now, excellent!" James says, clapping.

I roll my eyes, "Amazing, James can count to four and remember who his friends are. Such improvement from last year."

He narrows his eyes at me, "Prat."

"And you love me anyway."

"Only because you're my brother."

"I'll take it as I get it."

The door opens again and Ann walks in, Rowan and Regulus behind her, "I found some strays, can we keep them?"

James shakes his head, "Sorry, but we already have Padfoot. One stray is enough for us right now."

"Hey!"

"Oh, be nice Jamesie," Ann says, smirk fighting to break out on her face.

"Don't call me Jamesie!"

"You do realise that the more you tell them not to do something, the more they're going to do it, right?" Regulus asks as he walks into the compartment and sits next to me. I can smell the residual Dark Magic on Regulus and have to shake my head. Bloody smell can be intoxicating.

"Of course he does," Ann says, sitting on the floor under the window, "Jamesie boy just likes to complain."

James frowns, "Is this pick on James day?"

"Yes," everyone in the compartment says, even Peter, which surprises me.

"Fine," James pouts, "Just see how you like being ignored."

Ann and I shrug and start up a conversation about the Falmouth Falcons.

AN/ I know, tiny itty bitty chapter, but look at this way. I updated quickly again!