Thanks a million for all the reviews people! Much appreciated coz if it weren't for ye this story probably would have gone so far! Here is chapter ten! Hope ya all like! Enjoy!
This is only the beginning…..
A week after Harry's Birthday things began to change. Harry was still his happy self and he and the Weasley children were all great friends. However, the story was not quite the same for the adults. On August 10th, one week after Harry's Birthday things appeared to be the same. James, Sirius, and Remus went off to work. Lily stayed home and Harry went outside to play with Ron and his fellow siblings. James and Sirius agreed to meet in The Three Broomsticks at approximately 5:00 for a quick after work drink. Remus declined the invitation which he would soon live to regret. For what was bout to happen to a fellow marauder was blood boiling.
At 4:55 Sirius was locking up Zonkos with a fellow colleague called Albert Swartz. Albert was in his late thirties and today was his 20th wedding anniversary. He was anxious to get home before his wife in order to surprise her with a romantic, candle lit meal. Sirius had the misfortune to agree to let Albert leave him alone. James had contacted him a while prior to this to confirm that he would be a few minutes late but insisted that Sirius go on in to The Three Broomsticks and order their butterbeers. The main door to Zonkos had a double barrel lock on the top and bottom. As Sirius was locking the bottom half of the door, he heard footsteps behind him. He assumed it was James.
"Prongs mate I thought we agreed to meet in the pub!" said Sirius while locking the door. As he turned around he got an alarming shock. For stood in front him were two witches and wizards that he knew from his Hogwarts days. They were people he despised with a severe passion! People who he could not even look at 100 yards away without wishing them dead or at least that he was not related to them. The four people stood in front of him were his cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix along with their husbands.
"Hello dearest cousin." Said Narcissa with a smug grin playing on her lips.
"What the bloody hell do you want, Malfoy! Shouted Sirius, hatred evident in his tone.
"Now what kind of way is that to treat your own cousin Sirius?" asked Bellatrix slimly.
"Don't you think that I wish I had nothing to do with you lot? You all make me sick! Do you want to know what the worst part is? You all assume that by standing there in your long black cloaks with Halloween masks covering your discarded faces and your wands pointed at your next victim that that makes you look all tough and powerful and dare I say, invincible? Well you are wrong!" Said Sirius with his wand held tight under his cloak.
"Well unlike you Black, we are not alone. Therefore I shall give you two choices." Recited Malfoy.
"Wow! Now isn't that mighty generous of you Malfoy but the only problem is…..
I DON'T BLOODY CARE WHAT YOU WANT!" Shouted Sirius who up until this point was trying to keep his temper. Malfoy came a little closer to Sirius and said:
"Well you had better start because the people that you care about shall not live much longer unless you give us some information. Now wouldn't it be a shame to have little Harry Potter spending the rest of his miserable life in an orphanage?" Sirius at this point had evident fear in his eyes and Malfoy stepped away as he said while shaking his head in mock empathy." Tut tut tut. Shame."
Sirius regained his strength and composure as he stepped forward, wand pointed.
"MALFOY IF YOU TOUCH MY GODSON SWEAR GOD HELP YOU BUT I WILL……" Sirius was cut off by Malfoy pushing him away from him. Bellatrrixs husband held Sirius by the arms roughly.
"Now now Black! There is no need to be precarious. All we want is some information and we shall be on our way. Nobody need get hurt. Are you willing to co-operate?"
Sirius stared hard at Malfoy before saying.
"I'll do anything to protect Harry." He bowed his head in defeat.
Narcissa and Bellatrix smiled victoriously at each other while Malfoy smiled smugly at Rhudolphes.
"Good. Release him Rhudolphes." Said Malfoy. Rhudolphes did so and took his place next to his wife.
"What do you want?" asked Sirius harshly.
"Oh nothing much. Just a favour." Sirius quirked one eye brow. So Malfoy continued.
We want the whereabouts of little Harry Potter." Sirius jaw dropped. "You see Black the dark lord is getting anxious to return to full strength and pick up where he left off. So if you were to help us there would be a very generous reward in it for you. What do you say? It's not too late to switch teams!"
Sirius let out a bark like laugh. "You must be more cracked in the head than people give you credit for!"
"How dare you insult my husband Black! You are just a dirty filthy blood traitor who does not deserve to live! You have shamed our family more than needs be and now you have the nerve to suggest that my husband is insane!" replied Narcissa aggressively. Sirius who was pacing stopped and turned to face her. "You know what Narcissa? I could not give a flying rat's ass what you think or what you even want! The fact of the matter is we are divided in loyalty and if you think for even half a second that I would tell you where my godson is just to get in Voldmorts good books……."
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK HIS NAME!" screamed all four in unison.
"Psh... It's just a name and if you can't say it because you think he will find out and punish you or even kill you then you really need to take my advice and get a life! Now if you will all excuse me I am off. Don't mean to exit this pleasant family reunion so soon but I have to meet someone so do me a favour and give old Voldie my regards!" They all stood their, jaws ajar and Sirius just grinned before saying. "Cheers! Oh and close your mouths. You're catching flies!" Sirius made his way past them smirking to himself and shaking his head triumphantly. The last thing he heard was Malfoy saying
"PETRIFICUS TOTALLUS!"
All four stood staring down at Sirius lame body. Bellatrix asked
"What are ya gona do with him Lucius?"
"Take him back to our home. Lock him in a dungeon and either he will crack or else they will come looking for him. So if Rhudolphes will assist me, we shall be on our way." With that Sirius was carried by his two rivals as they apparated to the Malfoy Manor.
At approximately 5:15 James strolled into the Three Broomsticks with his head held high and his usual cocky smirk on his face. He looked around the half vacant pub and saw no trace of Sirius. He approached the counter to inquire about his friend. Madam Rosemerta was serving an elderly wizard who was quite bent and struggling to see the coins in order to pay for his fire whiskey. Madam Rosemerta saw James and smiled before saying "Ill be with you in a second James."
"James reciprocated her smile, blandly. A few minutes later Rosemerta approached James with her sweet smile and asked "The usual is it James?" James was off in a trance and just stared at her before saying "Sorry Rose. Ya a butterbeer please." He smiled tensely at her.
"Are you okay James? You seem a little…….distant."
"No. Im fine Rose. It's just that Sirius is late. We were meant to meet in here 20 minutes ago. It just seems so unlike him to be late. And Zonkos is closed." He replied anxiously.
"Oh well you know Sirius. He probably forgot. I'll bet you anything that he is at home playing with little Harry!" She said smiling at the vision of it in her head.
"Do ya think so?" Asked James perking up a little bit.
"I am positive that is the case James." She smiled sweetly at him and he reciprocated it. The first happy smile he showed since he walked in.
"Ya. Well I had better go so. Thanks Rose love. Ill catch ya some other time!" he said as he winked at her and left. James went outside the pub and apparated home.
Remus was home from work for the past hour and was sitting at the picnic table reading a book he had borrowed from Flourish and Blotts. He never heard James coming since he was so engrossed in his book. James smiled at him and shook his head good naturedly as he approached the table. He took a seat across from Remus and started tapping his fingers on the table to get Remus attention. Remus who had the book up to his face lowered it a little and saw James grinning at him. He smiled warmly and placed the book down on the table.
"You alright Moony mate?"
"Ya Prongs but what are you doing here? I thought you were meeting Padfoot."
James began to rise as he answered his friend's question.
"So did I but he never showed so tell me where he is and I'll do what so many have longed to do before now and kill him!" James replied with a small smile.
"Prongs, Padfoot is not here." Remus replied seriously.
James half laughed before saying "Wha….What do you mean he is not here Remus?" He asked anxiously.
"What I just said James. Sirius is not here."
"But he has to be here Remus. I mean Zonkos is closed and Rose has not seen him at all so….."
"Well maybe he has gone over to Sharinas coz we both know how close those they are getting lately."
"It just does not seem like Sirius. You know?"
Remus rose from the table and came over to James as he tapped him on the back friendly.
"Well you of all people should know how women can change a man." He smiled warmly.
"Oh very funny mate! Ya you are hilarious! Did you ever consider being a comedian?" asked James as Remus walked away from him smiling back.
"Hi dad!" said Harry as he ran over to him and James bent down and scooped him up in his arms.
"Hey champ! Where were you running from?" He asked with a loving smile for his son.
"Ron's. We were playing quiddtich with his toy quiddtich players." He said excitedly.
"Oh ya? Did you have fun?" he asked kindly.
"Yup. And guess what dad!"
"What?"
"I WON!"
Oh wow! Hey that is excellent champ! I told you that you would make an awesome quiddtich player!" Harry just reciprocated his fathers smile. "Have you seen Sirius mate?"
"Nope!" Harry chirped.
You haven't? Not even at lunchtime?"
"No coz he was gona meet Sharina for lunch coz he was meeting you later."
James put Harry down on the ground and furrowed his eyebrows and contemplated what Harry just said.
"You ok dad?"
"What? Oh ya. Sorry mate. Im fine thanks." Harry nodded and grinned up at his dad. James smiled blandly at him. "Shall we go in and see mommy?"
"YEAH!" He said as he ran ahead of James and James half laughed at him.
Lily was tossing up the salad as James walked in a world of his own. He walked out into the hall to hang up his cloak and Lily just stared after him saying;
"Well hello to you too!"
James walked back in and looked up. Lily smiled sweetly at him. He walked over to her.
"Sorry love." He kissed her on the cheek. He then went over to the fridge and stared into it for a few minutes. Lily noticed this and became concerned so she asked;
"James what is the matter?"
James looked up and closed the fridge door and smiled bleakly at her before saying.
"Nothing Lils. Why makes you think that something is wrong?"
"Well you come in and ignore me and you then stare into that fridge looking for nothing in particular and……."
"So that's it? Just because I don't greet you first thing it's assumed that something is wrong! Said James aggressively. Lily stared at him in shock.
"Oh Lily I am so sorry!" He said as he walked over to her. "I didn't mean to snap at you darling."
"Well now I am convinced that something is bothering you. So come on, out with it!"
James walked over to the cutlery drawer and began to remove five sets of knives and forks and set them on the table. "Well it is nothing much Lil it's just that Sirius is not home yet."
"Is that all?" Seeing the vicious look on James face she continued.
"What I mean is that Sirius being late is not a great surprise lately is it? You know ever since Sharina came into his life. Those two have been getting pretty close lately." Said Lily as she recommenced tossing the salad.
"Ya that's what Remus said….." said James despondently.
"Well there you go. Don't worry. Sirius will home soon." She replied positively as she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him sweetly but quickly.
"I hear what you're saying love but we were supposed to meet for a couple butterbeers in the broomsticks at five. I told him that I would be a few minutes late so to go on in and order them. Rose said she hadn't seen him and Zonkos was shut! What does that tell you?" questioned James as he filled the water jug and set it in the centre of the table.
Lily turned around and faced James as she placed her hands on the sink.
"It tells me that somebody got there before you."
James looked concerned so she continued while rolling her eyes.
"Ugh…. Sharina, James."
"No Sirius would not just take off with her and not tell me!" Lily shrugged her shoulders as she faced the sink to rinse her hands. "Plus Harry said that they met for lunch."
"Really?" asked Lily doubtfully.
"Yes. Why?"
"Just seems odd why Sirius is gone back over to her again."
"Exactly! I have my doubts he has Lil."
James put his hands behind his head and sighed. "Agh god this is so frustrating! Where the bloody hell is he!"
With that the back door opened and James stared at it with a small smile. It was Remus.
"Ugh. Its you." Said James as he began pacing the kitchen with his hands behind his head. Remus half laughed and said.
"Nice to see you too Prongs!"
Lily smiled warmly at him and said "Don't mind him Remus."
"Ya sorry mate. Sirius is not home yet. He is now officially…." He glanced at the clock on the wall and said….."30 minutes late for dinner." Remus bowed his head and bit his lip as he glanced up at James. Lily just placed the plates of food on the table.
"I am sure there is a rational explanation James. Lily do you need any help?"
"No thank you Remus." They smiled a little at each other.
"Well what is it then Remus?"
"Well I don't know James but all I am saying is that……"
"Ok come on you too sit down to dinner. We will talk about this later. Harry Come on!"
"Ill get him." Said James bleakly.
As James walked towards the sitting room, Harry came out and bashed into his father.
"Whoops mate! Be careful." He smiled weakly at him. Harry just ran on ahead as James went upstairs.
A few minutes later James came into the kitchen still looking anxious.
"Come on James sit down to your meal." Said Lily tenderly.
"No. There is definitely something wrong."
"Oh James we have been through this…." Replied Lily irritably.
"I know Lils but I don't think it is…..Sirius would never be late for a meal and if he were gona blow me off he would have contacted me! Sirius is in trouble! I just know he is!"
"Padfoot is in trouble?" asked Harry anxiously.
"No no Harry of course not." Soothed Lily. She rose from her chair and approached James.
"James. You are scaring Harry!" she whispered.
"Ya? Well Sirius is scaring me!"
"So what are you gona do James?"
"I am going to see Dumbledore."
"When?" asked Lily angrily?
"Now."
Lily nodded. "Okay. Go"
"I just need to get this out of my system Lils. Ok? If Dumbledore knows of anything weird going on I need to know and if he says that everything is ok….Ill accept that Sirius lost track of time. But I doubt it."
"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Remus standing on his other side.
"No Remus you stay here. I wont be long." He smiled blandly at both and went into the sitting room to floo to see Dumbledore.
Albus Dumbledore was in his office petting Fawkes when he heard a loud crash. He descended the steps of his balcony and he heard"oof". As he glanced to his right he saw the tall but slender figure of James Potter. James was dusting off his clothes when he heard a familiar, elderly voice.
"James what brings you here?"
James looked up and smiled wryly at his former head master.
"I am sorry Sir for intruding on you like this but it is important that I see you."
Dumbledore became concerned and gestured for James to take a seat in front of his desk as Dumbledore took his behind his desk. He clasped his slender fingers together and looked at him through his half moon spectacles and asked once again.
"So, James. What brings you here?"
"Well you see Sir it is about Sirius." He glanced timidly up at Dumbledore.
"Oh?"
"Well I was supposed to meet him earlier at The Three Broomsticks for a couple of after work butterbeers but he never showed. Madam Rosemerta claims that she had not seen him and Zonkos was locked up for the night. I contacted him through our portable mirrors about 4:30 to say I would be a few minutes late and he said that he would meet me inside and order the beers. So you see Sir it wasn't a case that he forgot and took off somewhere with Sharina as Remus and Lily suggested."
"No Sirius has got the memory of an elephant. He would not have forgotten to meet you James. That I am confident of." Dumbledore rose from his seat and walked over to Fawkes who had taken his place at his perch.
"So I was wondering if you have any ideas sir. Have you heard of anything unusual lately?" inquired James meekly. Dumbledore turned round to face him.
"You obviously have not seen today's Daily Prophet James."
James shook his head. Dumbledore resumed his seat as he said "I thought as much."
"Sir what is going on?" asked James anxiously.
"There has been a breakout in Azkaban."
"What? When?" James shouted perplexed.
"Last night I am afraid."
Well…Who?"
"Thirteen of Voldemorts supporters. Nine of them have been recaptured….four have not." Replied Dumbledore glumly.
"What four?" asked James.
"I think you already know that James. The Malfoys and the Lestranges."
"Sirius cousins." Said James barely audible and starring at the floor.
"Indeed." Replied Dumbledore quietly.
"So you think that it is possible that they captured Sirius?"
"I think it is a very great possibility James." Said Dumbledore firmly.
"So what are we going to do!" asked James fiercely.
"Well first thing is first we have to reassemble as many order members as we can and we need Snape to get on the inside and see if he can figure out if Sirius is being held hostage by the malfoys or the Lestranges."
"Do you really think that all this is necessary Sir?" asked James doubtfully.
"I think James that this is only the beginning." Replied Dumbledore gravely.