A/N: RedButterfly: You have no idea how much I enjoy reading your reviews. :) Feels great to know that your work is being well-received, so I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, your theory of the Sacred Age being similar to the Trojan story? It is EXACTLY that! :) I wanted the magical world to have its own tragic loss and a war being fought over a woman, so yes, it is the equivalent to the Trojan War. I hope you enjoy the rest of my story.

Also, thanks to all my other readers and reviewers. You make me want to keep going.

Note: This chap is mostly of the slew of letters that got exchanged during the hols. Also, the second half of the story is the actual prequel written by JKR. I do not own it, I simply made it fit my story here.

- Shil

Chapter 12: Ink & Owl Feathers

-oO Owl Posts Oo-

~oO Grimmauld Place, Islington

26th December, 1975

Dear Sirius,

You can be at no loss, Sirius, to understand the reason of this letter. I hope your conscience does not fail you this time at least! Your impudence of blatantly declining your aunt's invitation and defying your own mother's wishes to have you spend Christmas with your extended family is, by far, the most presumptuous act I have experienced from you till date. And if that was not bad enough, a report of a most alarming nature has reached me yesterday.

Is it true, Sirius, that you, my first born and the future Lord of the House of Black, are finding refuge under the disgraceful roof of our Muggle neighbours whom I have detested all through my life? Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, I wanted to write to you personally to hear you contradict it and also to make my sentiments known to you. I am well aware, Sirius, that such an occurrence is far from possible, as the blood of your ancestors still doth run in your veins, but I am not to be trifled with.

If you are, indeed, breathing the same air as our lowly neighbours, I insist that you return home at once! I shall not take kindly to becoming the laughing stock among the elite few just because of your arrogance and decision to rebel against your own mother and her humble wishes! The onus of the House of Black is on your shoulders, Sirius. As the first-born male child in the entire Black family, Regulus and all of the Pureblood community will soon be looking your way to steer the course; I hope you would act maturedly going forward and not bring more despair to your mother.

It's what you owe to yourself and to all of your family.

Also, I hope you are well. I didn't think you would not return home in so long, Sirius. I hope you realise I only have the best interest at heart for you and your future. Come home soon, my son.

Love,

Mother

~oO Williams' Cottage, Islington

26th December, 1975

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I am sending Whispers, the fastest owl around town, so that you shall receive my letter at the earliest.

Professor, I know that you may already be well aware of the goings-on in the Magical world, but I feel obliged to state the obvious either way—IT IS BAD. There's just so much to tell you, I don't even know where to begin. This Dark Lord is absolutely nuts! Lorak, the goblin, is right—he is amassing followers like bees to a comb and the situation is getting out of hand faster than I can spell TROUBLE. What's worse is the fact that Regulus has gotten embroiled in all this madness too. I don't think he even knows what he's got himself into. Begging you to intervene and make him see the light before it's too late.

Also, Regulus was sent to extract information about some stone from an old witch who had summoned him to my neighbourhood. Oddly enough, they kept referring to some stone that this Dark wizard is seeking and she told him I was the 'Keeper of the Stone'. I want to get explicit on this, Professor—I may have a lot of useless objects stashed away in my trunk, but a STONE is definitely not one of them! So, tomorrow, if the Ministry comes knocking on my door, can I count on you to bail me out? Truth be told, I am more scared of what my Mother would say than going to Azkaban for this...

Oh, and I now know why you made me read that chapter in the book. Do you also think Sirius might be the carrier of the curse? Is the story of the curse even true, Professor? Should I be concerned...?

Awaiting your letter, Professor.

Yours sincerely,

Isabella Grace Williams

- oOo -

~oO Williams' Cottage, Islington

26th December, 1975

Sirius, (and James, if you're reading this too),

I hope you reached safely. You do realise it's kind of strange that you left just like that for no apparent reason, don't you? Mother's worried. Oh, and she wanted to know if the boys liked the cake at all. And please, oh, please, don't get into trouble while you're at Remus's! It's bad enough that all four of you are under the same roof at the same time, it also happens to be New Year's in a few days, I can only imagine how mad it's about to get over there.

And YES, Sirius, I have written to Dumbledore already. Have told him about Regulus and the old hag—and since it's Dumbledore that we're talking about, you can be rest assured that Regulus isn't a lost cause yet.

I know better than to expect a reply in return from you, so I'm just going to say bye now.

Izzy

P.S. Remus, I thought that mind-reading journal you got Clay for Christmas was really cute!

- oOo -

~oO Lupin Lodge, Glamorgan

27th December, 1975

Dear Mum,

Wow, I couldn't get past the second line of that letter without wanting to punch ALL of you Pureblood-obsessed maniacs right in the face. Also, sorry to poke holes in your hopes, but YES, I was staying with Izzy and her family when you lovingly kicked me out of my own house (also, I'm not entirely sure you know WHAT your dear second son was actually invited to to the the Lestranges'. Might you look into it a little? Quite sure you won't like what you hear).

And no, the Black blood 'doth' not run in my veins, are you sure you didn't actually pick me up from the side of the road when I was an infant?

Stay golden.

Sirius Black, proud member of the Lupin household and the current eye-candy of Isabella G. Williams.

- oOo -

~oO Lupin Lodge, Glamorgan

27th December, 1975

Hello Darling!

And you thought I wouldn't write back.

Bike ride to Wales was pleasant, thanks for asking, and you can tell Lizzy that James alone devoured three-quarters of the cake, the monster. Also, it's cute that you want me to think your dear mother is worried for me when it really is YOU. Fear not, cupcake, Remus simply had a furry little problem (as James would call it) that needed my immediate attention. We will be spending the rest of our vacation here at Remus's, but don't worry, I shall run back into your arms in no time, my baby love!

Speaking of Dumbles, have you heard back from him as yet? I haven't stopped thinking about that Stone that Regulus was sent after, ever since. And from what I've read till now, there's just one ruddy magical stone that belongs to this really old wizard that is rumored to act like an elixir, but I doubt if there's any truth to it at all. Also, there's literally nothing about an ancient cursed Gryffindor couple in any book till now, which makes me believe that the legend is right: there's no written record about this Age save the one copy you have. Quite a mystery, eh? Anyway, remind me to bring this up with Dumbly when we're back at Hoggs.

Also, I hope you haven't yet vomited the whole thing to the girls already... Begging you to keep that pretty mouth shut for just a little while longer. Deal?

By the way, Rosie, Remus's extremely voluptuous neighbour, is such a treat, it's unbelievable! (Stop rolling your eyes, YOU were the one who insisted on knowing every little detail of my life and I'm delivering!).

Hugs and kisses,

Sirius

P.S. Sirius loves you!

P.P.S. NO HE DOES NOT! (That was James; ignore him...)

- oOo -

~oO Evans Villa, Spinner's End

27th December, 1975

Dear Izzy,

Just heard from Clay and Mary - they've reached home safely too. Christmas was splendid, thanks so much for having us over this year! Also, I know that you're still upset Alice did not show up. Please don't worry about it, Izzy, she will come through eventually, I promise (or I will MAKE her!).

Also, there's something I wanted to talk to you about... It's a strange feeling, I've never felt this way in my whole life. Izzy, I don't know why, but I feel oddly hollow inside at the fact that I didn't receive any gifts (not even a postcard) this year from James. Hold your horses now, this does not mean what you think it means. It's just strange that James actually kept his word this time... I can't say I don't miss his irritating presence just a tad bit. Anyway, I'm sure I'll get over it in no time, just wanted to get it off my chest. Would you give him my regards if you do write to Sirius sometime?

You take care of yourself and I hope you're studying hard in your spare time!

Lots of love,

Lily

- oOo -

~oO Williams' Cottage, Islington

28th December, 1975

Dear Lily,

Well, I just hope you two go back to being civil with each other in the least, 'cause that way, I won't have to plot a fallout scene to stop being friends with James! Let's talk more on the train ride back to Hogwarts!

Miss you tons already.

Love,

Izzy

- oOo -

~oO Williams' Cottage, Islington

28th December, 1975

You're such a work of art, Sirius. You've already made me regret ever confessing my feelings to you, and I have only me to blame! I've sentenced myself to a lifetime of teasing, haven't I?

And don't worry so much, alright? I know you're dying over there, but there's nothing much that we can do, you know, we're still too young to take matters into our own hands... So, 'hang in there' is the least I can say to alleviate your mood.

And don't get in too deep with this Rosie girl. Who knows, you might inadvertently 'make' her the other half of The Pair, and I'm not particularly confident you'll like that!

Izzy

P.S. Lily misses James.

P.P.S. THAT'S what I meant by telling each other everything...

- oOo -

~oO Hogwarts, Hogsmeade

28th December, 1975

Dear Isabella,

Firstly, it was extremely clever of you to have brought this incident to light as it has helped clear several doubts in my mind. I also wish to commend you on your keen sense of foresight of the imminent dangers that is fast approaching the Wizarding World from whatever you witnessed; very rarely can someone put two and two together and comprehend the corollary of a situation as you have done today. And although your letter dripped with anxiety, I must say that you have an unwonted sense of humour that never fails to tickle me; it was hilarious to say the very least.

Regarding the Stone, I think it's still very early for us to sound the alarm bells, as we have very little evidence in our hands to prove that you are, indeed, the Keeper. Besides, this little fact is incidentally entwined with how things take a turn in the future, so yes, I shall, if you ever have the misfortune of finding the Ministry at your door, 'bail you out' both from the Dementors and your mother's clutches.

About Regulus, I'm afraid I might offer you little solace in the matter as I believe each of us is destined to play the role we were sent here for. However, it is not to say that he won't do great things to the Wizarding World; it just means it is not in your or my control what path he chooses and if he would ever find his way back. I realise this may sound extremely bleak to you, which is why I feel obliged to tell you that all hope is not lost yet; you might take consolation from the fact that he shall, from this moment on, always be under my watchful eye.

I am greatly intrigued to learn that the old witch pronounced Sirius to be one half of The Pair. So it seems my suspicions have been confirmed. Vigilance should become your priority from this second on, Isabella. You shall find the answers to your questions when the time is right, but if the witch's claims are true, I'm afraid my worst fear has been realised. Darkness really has descended upon all of us.

Fear not, for you shall be back in school in no time.

I am, yours most sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

- oOo -

~oO Williams' Cottage, Islington

29th December, 1975

Sirius,

I mean it. NO MONKEY BUSINESS while with the boys. Just heard back from Dumbledore and he does NOT sound positive. Darkness is upon us.

Love,

Izzy

- ~:O:~ -

~oO Glamorgan, South Wales

31st December, 1975

"I don't know why Williams even tries! I mean, I can't be caged, can I, Prongsy?"

"It's a sin, is what it is! You have my blessing! Race into the night, Pads!" he screamed, even as Sirius shot into the night like a bullet.

"Merlin's Pants, I love Izzy!" yelled back Sirius, a permanent look of amazement slapped across his face. "This is the best gift eveeeer...!" he screamed into the night while taking a sharp turn around a corner, completely startling the policemen pursuing the speeding motorcycle.

"Whoa!" they heard the Sergeant bellow, followed by the screeching of brakes against the tar, indicating that they had expected the motorcycle to ram into their car, but Sirius made the turn most effortlessly and zoomed up the narrow side street at lightening speed.

"We've got 'em now!" he heard the second policeman yell, who had resorted to stick more than half his body out the window of his car. "That's a dead end!"

An arrogant smile cracked on his face as he slammed on his brakes and wheeled his motorcycle around with such swagger, James actually whistled in appreciation from behind him. "Best day of my life!" he declared, leaning eagerly over Sirius's shoulder to get a better look at the red, disbelieving faces of their pursuers.

The officers' car was screeching to a halt whilst scraping half the paint off the flank as it did. The two riders were trapped between a towering brick wall and the police car, which was now crashing towards them like some growling, luminous-eyed predator.

And for a whole minute nothing happened, as Sirius and James mockingly waited for the policemen to collect themselves after that really exciting chase.

Quite unfortunately, though, there was so little space between the car doors and the walls of the alley that the two policemen had difficulty extricating themselves from the vehicle. It injured their dignity to have to inch, crab-like, towards the miscreants. The first policeman dragged his generous belly along the wall, tearing buttons off his shirt as he went, and finally snapping off the wing mirror with his backside.

"Get off the bike!" he bellowed at the smirking youths, who sat basking in the flashing blue light as though enjoying it.

They did as they were told. Finally pulling free from the broken wind mirror, the first policeman glared at them. And just as Sirius got a better look at the man's face, a sudden realisation hit him, making him almost double up in laughter: the policeman with the name Fisher written across his badge, looked eerily similar to Rosie's father, who had walked in on their wild make-out session in her house a couple of days ago!

"No helmets!" Fisher yelled, pointing from one uncovered head to the other. "Exceeding the speed limit by - by a considerable amount!" (it was more than evident that the speed registered had been greater than Fisher was prepared to accept that any motorcycle could travel.) "Failing to stop for the police!"

"We'd have loved to stop for a chat," said James, ruffling up his already messy hair, "only we were trying —"

"Don't get smart - you two are in a heap of trouble!" snarled Anderson. "Names!"

"Names?" repeated Sirius, giving James a side sneer. "Er — well, let's see," he scoffed. "There's Wilberforce . . . Bathsheba . . . Elvendork . . ."

"And what's nice about that one is, you can use it for a boy or a girl," James added cheekily, making Sirius snigger even more.

"Oh, our names, did you mean?" Sirius offered, feigning revelation even as Anderson spluttered with rage. "You should've said! This here is James Potter, and I'm Sirius Black!"

"Things'll be seriously black for you in a minute, you cheeky little —"

But neither James nor Sirius was paying attention. They were suddenly as alert as gundogs, staring past Fisher and Anderson, over the roof of the police car, at the dark mouth of the alley. Then, with identical fluid movements, they reached into their back pockets.

For the space of a heartbeat both policemen imagined guns gleaming at them, but a second later they saw that the motorcyclists had drawn nothing more than —

"Drumsticks?" jeered Anderson. "Right pair of jokers, aren't you?

Right, we're arresting you on a charge of —"

But Anderson never got to name the charge. James and Sirius had shouted "Alarte Ascendare!" and the beams from the headlights had moved.

The policemen wheeled around, then staggered backwards.

Three men were flying up the alley on broomsticks - and at the same moment, the police car was rearing up on its back wheels.

Fisher's knees bucked; he sat down hard; Anderson tripped over Fisher's legs and fell on top of him, as flump — bang — crunch — they heard the men on brooms slam into the upended car and fall, apparently insensible, to the ground, while broken bits of broomstick clattered down around them.

The motorbike had roared into life again. His mouth hanging open, Fisher mustered the strength to look back at the two teenagers.

"Thanks very much!" called Sirius over the throb of the engine.

"We owe you one!"

"Yeah, nice meeting you!" said James. "And don't forget: Elvendork! It's unisex!"

There was an earth-shattering crash, and Fisher and Anderson threw their arms around each other in fright; their car had just fallen back to the ground. Now it was the motorcycle's turn to rear.

Before the policemen's disbelieving eyes, the motorcycle took off into the air: James and Sirius zoomed away into the night sky, their tail light twinkling behind them like a vanishing ruby.