Chapter 18

Jude glanced at James and Emma as they walked through Hogsmeade. He didn't know why, but as of lately, he felt like he was being the third wheel. He didn't really care much to think about it, but it was starting to get awkward to even be around them now.

They didn't talk to one another, but they kept stealing glances when they thought the other wasn't looking. And don't even get him started when Leon came around. Not only did he have to deal with Carlos, he had to deal with James' death stares. He thought he would've gotten used to them by now, but they were starting to get a bit scarier now that they were getting older.

He really wished James and Emma would realize they had feelings for each other. It was getting a bit annoying how the two didn't see it. Hell, even Leon saw it which was why he took so much pride in dating Emma. He finally one upped James.

It was frustrating.

Jude sighed lightly, stopping behind his best friends as they were about to walk into Honeyduke's. He shook his head when they turned to him, "I've got to go wash my hands. I got some gunk on it when we passed by the bookshop."

"Need me to go with you?" James asked. Emma was gazing at him expectantly, as if she wanted to follow him as well.

He loved his friends. "No," Jude gave a slight smile. "I'll be fine. You guys go. I'm just gonna go to The Three Broomstick's to use the loo."

He gave them a wave before making his way back to the pub. Maybe he'd get more butterbeer now that Emma wasn't around. She always cut him off after two, saying that it was too much sugar for him and James. Hannah would be grateful for the girl, but Jude just wanted some sugar.

He said hi to the familiar classmates as he left the pub. He just hoped his friends were still Honeyduke's because he really wanted some chocolate and gummy worms.

Jude gasped when he felt someone cover his mouth. He struggled as he felt whoever it was tug harshly on the hood of his jacket. He was pulled into an alley where he tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground.

He opened his mouth to call for help when the same person covered his mouth once more. His eyes widened when he saw the haggard face before him. The man had crusted blood over the cuts on his face. His cheeks were hollow, his face was pale, and his hair was in long, separate strands. The smell indicated that the man probably hadn't bathed in a long while.

"Easy, Porter. I'm not going to hurt you," The older man hissed.

Jude glared; the only way this man could know his name and look like that was if he was Sherlock Smith. He let the familiar roar fill his chest, waiting for the flames to come.

Sherlock, he assumed, pressed down harder on his mouth, "Don't you let that fire out. I'm trying to help you."

He knew about the fire. So he must've been working for Lazarus. He glared harder, gripping the man's arm. He already felt his body heating up when he realized one thing.

His scar wasn't burning.

Jude blinked, slowly uncoiling as the realization set in. If this man was working with the dark wizard in anyway, he would've felt it.

"Good, you see it now," Sherlock said, finally getting off of the kid. He held out his hand and lifted him up when he accepted it. His dark eyes were pleading as he spoke, "I'm not going to hurt you, Porter. I'm here to warn you."

"How did you get out of Azkaban?" Jude wondered in disbelief. James had told him of people who had escaped, but he never thought he'd meet someone who had and was still alive.

Sherlock brought up a frail hand to scratch his head, "Ever since the dementors left, security hasn't been what it use to be." He suddenly shook his head, placing his hands the younger male's shoulders, "We don't have time for that."

Jude scoffed a bit, his body still shaking at the sight of the man who he believed would kill him for months now, "I think I deserve some explanation. You've been all over the newspapers saying that you've been planning to kill me. Excuse me for being a little paranoid."

"Trust me, I've wanted to tell people that I'm innocent, but I can't," Sherlock stressed, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes tightening. "Lazarus forced me to take an Unbreakable Vow."

The term hit Jude's mind hard. He remembered hearing about it in his Charms class. The reason it was called that was because if someone broke it, they'd die. He never heard about anyone being forced into it, but there was a first for anything. Especially with a dark wizard.

"The circumstances on it are far worse than my own death," Sherlock continued solemnly. "You know you're in danger, Porter. You've known since your first year. But right now, it's going to get so much worse. Much worse than those beasts you fought last year."

Jude turned his sharp gaze to him, "How do you know about hat?" His eyes narrowed, "Who are you? How did Lazarus find you if you're innocent?"

Sherlock exhaled shakily, licking his cracked lips, "I can't tell you that either. That was part of the vow as well." He clenched his jaw tensely, "Just know you're in danger, Porter."

"You already said that, but what is coming?" Jude demanded, his glare coming back.

"I can't tell you," Sherlock growled.

"I need you to!"

"Stop it!"

"Jude!" The two looked to the end of the alley way. Jude barely blinked before Sherlock was thrown to the floor by what looked to be Aurors.

Emma came over with James and hugged him tightly as Sherlock was hauled off. She pulled away, her green eyes full of worry, "Are you okay, Jude? Did he hurt you?"

Jude shook his head, numbly watching as the man struggled. Sherlock grunted as he was being dragged away, "Porter, just watch your back! You're in danger!"

And just like that, Jude felt his scar starting to burn.