Anything in italics is a thought.
Any scenes in bold is occurring at a different time (Flashback).
Enjoy!
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A Time Long Since Past
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"What the hell was that for?" said a very put out Sirius, who was massaging his sore jaw.
"That was for being a blockheaded nitwit!" answered a furious Remus, who was visibly restraining himself from launching another punch, "You utter imbecile! Did you completely lose your mind? Or did you ever have one?"
"Moony, I –"
"Don't you Moony me, Mr. Sirius Black! You. Nearly. Got. Yourself. Killed!"
"You think I planned that? I like my soul exactly where it is, thank you very much!"
"Children!"
Both men stopped whatever they were about to say to turn and gawk at the source of the voice, "Children?" they repeated in incredulous tones.
"Yes. You act like children and thus you shall be addressed as such" answered none other than Albus Dumbledore, his disapproving gaze settling over both of them.
Having their anger deflated at such a comment, both men simply resorted to sending dark glares at each other before sitting down.
"Thank you. Now, as to answer you questions, Sirius, Harry is currently residing in the Hospital Wing."
This captured Sirius' attention, making him desist in his quest to glare Remus down.
"Is he going to be okay?"
It took a while before any answer was given to him, which didn't quench the cold feeling growing within him.
"He will be fine once he wakes up and has a decent meal, which should happen in the next couple of days." Poppy answered at last.
"Days? He was that bad?"
"If I were you, Mr. Black, I would be glad that he hasn't fallen into a magical coma. Had he remained in that state, it would certainly have been probable." Her dry retort caused him to flinch at the thought. Magical comas were not something to be taken lightly, for it was hard to estimate how long a person would spend in one, and even if they would ever come out of it. To think that his son ran the risk of entering one… it made him wish he had given Dursley more than just those hexes.
Standing up he said, "I'm going to the hospital wing."
"No you aren't! Not before I have given you a thorough check up" and before he could so much as move a muscle, Poppy was already waving her wand and reading various scans which appeared before her. A few spells and one potion later, pains he didn't even notice he had had disappeared, leaving him only with a dry taste in him mouth from the potion.
"Now, if you promise to behave and remain quiet, I shall allow you a visit to your Godson."
His answer of "I'll behave" caused a snort to escape more than one person in the room, followed by a muttered "That'll be the day." He turned to glare again a Remus and, surprisingly, Minerva. Concluding that he was out numbered and out witted against both of them, he simply decided to follow Poppy to the hospital wing, leaving Albus, Minerva and Remus behind in the office.
OOOooo§oooOOO
As soon as he stepped into the Hospital wing, his whole demeanor changed. His grey eyes dulled in colour and seem to grow such sadness in them as they looked at the body lying in the blank bed that it was unbearable for anyone look him in the eye. Madam Pomfrey, knowing that he would behave given the current situation, quickly made up an excuse and left the infirmary.
Settling down on the chair next to the hospital bed, Sirius allowed his eyes to look over his son in as much detail as possible. In a way he looked much better than he did when he found him in Private Drive, for there was no dried up blood stuck to him, nor was his arm dangling at an unnatural angle anymore. However, that was replaced by the unhealthy shade of his pale skin and the stillness with which he lay on that bed. If it were not for his rhythmic breathing, he would have thought him dead.
That thought alone sent a chill of fear to course through his body.
He didn't know how long he sat there, gazing at him immobile son. The sun was already setting, giving the room an air of finality as its last rays hit both inhabitants of that still place, one man on the bed while the other sat next to him, holding his hand. There was never such a beautiful but tragic sight to behold.
Seconds later the sun had set, and that single moment was lost forever.
As the room fell into darkness, Sirius still remained, nearly as immobile as his son. Unaware of time; unaware of his own thoughts and emotions. Slowly, as if testing the environment, one small memory attempted to capture him in its grasp. It met with no resistance, for this man wished to run away from the harsh reality that lay in front of him.
OOOooo§oooOOO
Four wizards made their way into the platform, their composure and expression told everyone around them that they were not to be crossed, for they had more power. They were richer, better and superior to those about them.
The family came to a halt in front of one of the compartments, which held only one person. A person among few that they considered to be within their standards, the Malfoy's
"Lucius, how pleasant it is to see you again" stated a tall woman, with sharp aristocratic features.
"I am the grateful one to be in such distinguished company again, Mrs. Black."
Walburga Black nodded, accepting the compliment without modesty. Her attention shifted to the boy besides her whom, in turn, tensed instinctively.
"This is Sirius, my eldest son. I hope you will take care of him Lucius, for he is still young and easily misled." This was all said gracefully, sending her son a scathing look towards the one, causing the young boy to flush with embarrassment.
"Do not worry, for I shall introduce him only to those considered highest among our class. He will learn how to conduct himself in Slytherin or be punished for it."
Mrs. Black nodded once again, this time in approval, how she wished that her son behaved in a more dignified manner like the Malfoy heir.
"What are you waiting for Sirius? Show your gratitude to Lucius for all the trouble he is willing to take for you."
Her son was quick to reply at the harsh tones.
"I apologise, Lucius and am forever grateful to you. I hope we shall remain friends through this act of kindness."
Lucius merely nodded and watched as Sirius boarded the train to join him in his compartment.
"We expect nothing but the best from you, Sirius Orion, after all a Black is always successful, regardless of his past… failures. Do not disappoint us."
With these parting words, Walburga Black made her way back towards the exit of the hectic platform.
Do not disappoint us…
How foolish they were to expect anything but from him…
"Gryffindor! Gryffindor! How could a son of mine ever amount to such a disgrace!"
His mother's loud and shrill voice caused Sirius to flinch. He soon regretted his actions when, moments later, his mother's hand collided with the left side of his face.
"Do not make faces at me young man! Bear the consequences of your actions like a true Black!"
Even in anger she still manages to employ the family rules against me…
Sirius fought to kept his face devoid of any expression while his mother continued on with her speech.
"I brought you up right! Taught you how to behave! How to be a rightful Black! IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY ME? BY BEING SORTED INTO GRYFFINDOR?"
He was sure that, at that moment, if it hadn't been for his father's intervention, his mother would have probably placed him under the Cruciatus curse. The mere thought of it sending shivers down his spine.
"Walburga, that is enough. We must take into consideration the sorting method used at that school. After all, Sirius, despite being found lacking in many areas is still a Black. No Black would have landed in Gryffindor willingly. I am sure that there is someone to gain from this misfortunate event." His deep commanding voice left no space for argument, and for once, Sirius was glad.
His mother nodded, "Obviously some tampering was done. It is a pity that the school is under such poor management or else we would have been able to re-sort you. Go to your room. We shall continue this conversation at a later date."
OOOooo§oooOOO
As the memory ended he was allowed a fleeting glimpse of the reality around him.
Madam Pomfrey had, at some point, come back for there was now light in the Hospital Wing and some empty potion vials on Harry's bedside table which weren't there before.
Slowly, a grim smile formed at his face.
Yes… I remember my parent's reactions to my disgrace only to well. It always ended in that, for no matter what I did it always was the wrong decision in their eyes.
A small chuckle.
Although, according to James, they were the ones in the wrong.
This simple thought was followed by a sudden feeling of emptiness and sadness.
How I miss our time together… our pranks as Marauders with Remus' innocent act, the good laughs we had together, James and Lily bickering…
Another memory rose then, from the back of his mind and took him away from reality once more.
OOOooo§oooOOO
"You can't be serious!" shouted the voice of one James Potter.
"No, no and no!" Lily's legendary temper flared, causing her to cry in outrage. "I absolutely refuse! You won't convince me this time, Sirius Orion Black! I will not ha–"
"Please Lily, just listen to what–"
"And have you sprouting anymore of this nonsense? I think not!" this was finalised with a well placed glare to her husband, who only groaned in exasperation.
"Look, I know this plan sounds rather…"
"Stupid"
"Impossible." said both other occupants of the room at the same time. Who, once realising that they spoke together, glowered at each other before turning away in a huff.
Sirius simply smiled at their childish ways. "Yes, but try to understand. I am much too obvious a choice! We know now that they suspect me. Sure, a few Death Eaters I can handle, but I can't keep them at bay forever! And I'll not risk you on this Prongs!"
"They we'll just ask Albus to assign some guards to help us Padfoot!"
Sirius snorted, "Prongs, we know that Albus is short on people at the moment. Hell, we've been going all over the place trying to capture Death Eaters and gathering intelligence, sometimes none stop for days. Any spare members would be, at best, at junior Auror level and more of a hindrance than aid."
Looking at Sirius determined expression, Lily and James sighed.
"You know Sirius; you are truly unbearable when you make sense?"
"Then how can you survive living with me?" he asked his wife with a charming smile on his face.
"Good question! Sometimes I don't even know why I married you." she answered with a laugh.
"I know you love me."
"Hm… perhaps"
They were about to lean in for a kiss when James' voice interrupted them.
"Okay, stop right there you two. I won't allow you to go mushy-mushy on me Padfoot! Please, please, wait until I'm gone for that."
Sirius let out a bark like laugh while Lily whacked James on the head.
"Hey! Padfoot! Control your deranged wife" said James while trying to dodge the increasing volume of items being thrown at him.
"Who would have thought it would be up to me to keep the peace. Seriously now, we must finish this conversation."
This seemed to have the desired effect, for both parties stopped what they were doing and calmed down.
"I've heard what you said Sirius, but I still can't understand why changing secret keepers is necessary. Much as it disgusts me to admit, Potter here is doing a good job pretending to be you and is trustworthy."
"Hey!"
"I know and that's the problem." Sirius said, prevent James from protesting further.
"What?"
"Prongs is doing too good a job, so much that people actually believe him to be me. Two attacks Lily. Two. One on each of us and there is no doubt about what they were after. It doesn't help that we are such close friends, which makes our choice that much more obvious. Neither of us can be the secret keepers, it is too much of a risk! At least, by changing it, if I am captured they will not find out where you are."
"Okay, so there is a risk. But Padfoot, there was always a risk! We knew that at the beginning, and even if we do, by any chance change secret keepers, that would mean including someone else in this secret. Something we can't afford to do in such perilous times!"
"That is exactly why you won't be pretending to be me anymore."
His statement was followed by two identical "What?"
"You can't be serious!" James exclaimed loudly, causing Sirius and Lily to laugh.
"Why do I get the feeling that we are going around in circles here?" he asked, deciding that his other comment would be followed with object being thrown his way.
"Maybe because we are repeating ourselves" she answered, "nevertheless, we won't agree to this Sirius."
"Lily, I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to you or Harry because I was unable to keep my silence. Moreover, I will not allow Prongs to risk his life over something which is my responsibility to protect. Who knows what kind of torture these people as capable of? All that I know right now is that I am willing to do anything to make sure you two, the two most precious people in my life, remain safe." He looked deeply into her green eyes as he said this, trying to convince her with the emotions he knew she would see there.
Lily Black, nee Evans, let out a long drawn sigh.
"Who do you suggest then?"
"Wormtail."
"You can't be serious!" said and incredulous James, who, much to his displeasure has to withstand two laughing Black for quite a while.
OOOooo§oooOOO
The smile on his face increased slightly at that memory.
Its duration was short, for soon after it he remembered what followed: the betrayal of one of his close friends.
The filthy, treacherous, little rat! How I curse the day I decided to may you secret keeper!
He fought against the tears he knew were coming as he thought of his dead wife and best friend. He couldn't have asked for better people in his life.
And now they are gone, all because of one man, one… murderer.
A small voice spoke in his mind then, sound uncannily similar to Severus Snape.
Murderer?It whispered into his mind. But it wasn't him the one who decided to change secret keepers. Nor was it he who settled on the most… dishonest of the… famous… Marauders.
"I didn't know! There was no way I–"
Perhaps… if it weren't for you they would still be alive? The voice continued, sounding more like Snape by the minute, ignoring any protest or attempt to quench it. You killed them Black, you killed your best friend, and you murdered your wife. You abandoned them to their fate, just as you abandoned your son.
"No!"
But no matter how much he shouted, his mind was already lost, already convinced by the logical voice of his most hated enemy. From there, it only got worse.
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Feedback is always appreciated.
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Can you believe that this chapter actually got so long that I had to break it off in two parts? This is why I didn't like the ending very much, but it was the best place I could find to stop. It also did get awfully confusing trying to remember who was who in the last flashback with all the switching that Sirius and James have been doing!
Anyhow, on to my sister's wonderfully funny behind the scenes stories!
[ "Ok, Sirius, for that scene we will hide a microphone in your head so that we can hear Snape's voice. Get it?"
"Got it."
"Great. Now, action!"
X
"What the hell was that for?" said a very put out Sirius, who was massaging his sore jaw.
"That was for being a blockheaded nitwit!" answered a furious Remus, who was visibly restraining himself from launching another punch, "You utter imbecile! Did you completely lose your mind? Or did you ever have one?"
"Moony, I –"
What a beautiful couple. Now, kiss and make up, will you? You thoroughly disgust me.
"SEVERUS! What the hell are you doing in this scene?!" Hell's Angel shouted.
I don't know. I was bored. You never give me enough lines.
"Please don't tell me he's whining!"
X
"Who do you suggest then?"
"Wormtail."
"You can't be serious!" said and incredulous James, who, much to his displeasure has to withstand two laughing Black for quite a while.
"Okaaay… and… CUT!"
"Finally! Now I can say it! I…" Sirius made a dramatic pose. "… am always SIRIUS!"
That joke is so old it makes me look young.
"You're just jealous because there's no joke about your name that ran for over twenty years!"
Oh, please, stop. There's not enough space for your ego and I in this head of yours.
"Shh! You don't have any lines in this scene. I'm the main character." Sirius stuck out his tongue. Everybody rolled their eyes and waited for Hell's scream, but it never came.
In the background, a door laid open.
X
" Okay… action!"
Silence.
"Where is Sirius?!" Hell's was about to pull her hair out in frustration. "Go get him Remus!"
Sirius was found, some minutes later. But when Lupin attempted to say something, he just told him: "Shh! I'm talking to the Snapes in my head."
Until next time,
Hells Angel & Heaven's Demon