AN: The reason that I'm not doing a Sirius POV right now is because I think James just works better for these parts… And I don't really fancy writing the perspective of someone having a panic attack. Also: Sorry that I didn't update for so long - I was dealing with a broken ankle and the pain meds that ensued. So, I am rewarding your patience with two chapters at once!

"Then-" I paused, the unspoken words going through both of our minds.

He could be killing them now.

Lily could already be dead.

Chapter 17: Still Got An Owlery To Clean

James' POV:

Padfoot and I looked at each other, our own panic reflected in each other's eyes.

"W-we have to get back to the c-c-c-common room and g-get the map!" Padfoot stuttered.

"No," I said, obviously the only one who was thinking clearly.

Padfoot stared at me in shock. "B-but Prongs, don't you care about Lily? She could be dea-"

I erupted. "SIRIUS BLACK!"

He flinched.

This time, when I spoke, I was quiet but menacing. "Don't you ever accuse me of not caring about Lily Evans ever again."

"S-sorry, Prongs," he said, embarrassed. "B-but-"

"If Filch sees us, he'll wonder why we're leaving when we're not done with our detention," I stated as if it were obvious. I knew I was being kind of mean, but Lily was in danger. You know, Lily Evans. The (yes, I admit it) love of my life. That Lily.

"Don't you have the cloak with you?"

"If he comes back to check on us, we can't both be gone, Padfoot! One of us will go under the cloak, and the other one will stay and tell Filch that they're in the bathroom. I'll go, because I don't think that in your state it would be good for you to go."

"Alright," he agreed, "But if Lily's missing, use the mirrors."

"Okay. I'll be back as soon as possible."

After making sure that Padfoot would be calm enough if he stayed, I rushed off to Gryffindor Tower. Arriving at the Fat Lady's portrait, I whispered "pumpkin juice."

"Wha-? Who's there?" she said, surprised and sleepy.

I pulled off the hood. She shrieked.

"It's just James Potter." I said quietly.

"Oh, my dear, you gave me a fright! Wherever is Sirius? I thought you two had detention."

"We do, I just forgot something in my room." I didn't like lying. Even if this was only a half-lie, I still felt uncomfortable.

"Hurry along, then."

I rushed up the stairs and grabbed the map out of my trunk. I scanned it quickly for Lily, and found her safe in her bunk. I sighed, relieved.

I sprinted back to the Owlery. Arriving at the door, I took off the invisibility cloak and then I stepped in, only to be bowled over by a very large black dog.

"Pa-foo! Gerroff! Lilsalrigh!"

As soon as I said "alright," Padfoot jumped off me and shifted back into his human self.

He rushed his reply, "Sorrymateit'sjustthatInoticedthatyouhadleftyourmirrorhereonaccidentandsoIwaslisteningforyouandsoIshiftedtohearbetterandyouweresprintingsoIthoughtitwasbadnews."

"I thought dogs were able to smell happiness or something."

"No that's wolves. And fear."

We began to laugh, giddy with relief that Lily was okay.

After a minute, though, I stopped.

"What's wrong, Prongs?" Padfoot asked.

"We've still got an Owlery to clean."

We both glanced around and groaned. We still had a lot to do.

AN: Yayness! Lily is alright! …for now. Soon, well... Just review. You'll find out in time.