Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: Some language

Chapter 66 – Mysteries Multiply

Sirius finally gave up on sleep at dawn. He rose carefully to avoid waking Kate, dressed and left, closing the door quietly behind him. Making his way along the cool hallways of the castle, he encountered no one. Moving swiftly, the young wizard soon reached the vast entry way and a moment later, he was jogging along the path that led to the Quidditch pitch.

The conversation he'd had with Kate had been unsettling – so much so that Sirius felt unable to gain any perspective on the subject of Thomas O'Hanlon. Running had allowed him to better think through topics that troubled him; this he had learned well at the end of the previous school year. Now he hoped it would work on this situation. Sirius finished stretching and began to run, clearing his mind of all thought for the first several laps, as had become his habit. A half-hour into his routine, Sirius allowed the previous evening's discussion to flood back in and he began to evaluate what they knew – and what it all might mean.

So intent was Sirius that he lost track of time, slowing to a walk only when he finally felt the protest of his overworked legs.

"Finally made yourself dizzy running around in circles like that, did you?"

Sirius raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun and looked in the direction of the laughing voice. He smiled. "'morning, Moony," he called. "Dizzy? No. You should try this sometime. Great way to clear the head."

The dark-haired wizard picked up his shirt and water bottle and made his way up to the bench where Remus sat.

"Aren't you the one who's always telling me that I think too much?" the young werewolf chuckled in reply.

"True enough," Sirius smiled, then drank deeply of the icy water.

"You're up early this morning," Remus observed. "I suspect that you either had something troubling you or that Kate has finally had enough of your snoring."

Sirius slapped his friend's arm lightly. "Kate's not tired of me at all, thanks very much!"

"So, what's on your mind, then?"

Sirius sighed. "O'Hanlon. Peter. Kate. Her mother; take your pick, really. Kate and I had quite the discussion last night." He paused and gave Remus a pointed look. "It didn't make for a restful night, I can tell you."

"Ah," Remus nodded. "So, here you are."

"So here I am."

"Any theories to share?"

Sirius nodded again. "Too many, I'm afraid – and I don't think I like any of them. Kate thinks we should go to Dumbledore with them – after we all talk amongst ourselves, of course."

"Of course," Remus said thoughtfully, gazing out over the pitch. "And by 'all', you're including Peter." Although his tone was casual, there was an underlying … something that caught Sirius' attention. Before he could question Remus, however, James' voice split the quiet morning air in greeting.

"Oi! You know, I recall a time when prank-plotting involved me, as well. What mischief might you two fine wizards be cooking up this morning?"

Remus looked beyond James, in the direction from which his friend had come. James followed his gaze. "So, not mischief, then."

"Not mischief," Remus confirmed.

James nodded. "Peter was sound asleep when I left the dorm a few minutes ago," he confirmed. "Didn't even flinch when I dropped my shoe." He met Remus' raised eyebrow with a smile. "Just a guess that you might have been looking for Peter a minute ago. So, gonna let me in on this conversation?"

Sirius took a breath and relayed the details of his discussion with Kate to both young men. When he was finished no one spoke for several minutes.

"Do you really think it was O'Hanlon who met with Peter?" James finally asked.

Sirius shrugged. "Seems possible, doesn't it?"

"But just as likely that it wasn't," James pointed out.

"More likely," Remus added.

"Why 'more'?" Sirius challenged.

"O'Hanlon doesn't work for the Ministry, does he? The man who met with Peter used to know his father – when they both worked at the Ministry of Magic." Remus' tone was quiet, but firm.

"Maybe he used to work there," Sirius shot back, but his voice held less conviction than before.

"Not likely, Pads," James put in. "didn't Kate say that O'Hanlon had lived abroad? That he owned a real estate business? Wouldn't have left him much time for a Ministry career, you have to admit."

"Or much opportunity to develop a friendship with Peter's father," Remus added. "Sirius, I agree that Peter has been behaving a bit odd since he returned, but that could just as easily be attributed to all that's happened this summer and the fact that he wasn't a part of so much of it."

Sirius nodded, hating to be wrong, but realizing that Remus' perspective – and James' – were more developed and better organized versions of where his own thoughts had taken him during his run. "So you think we should let it go? Not ask any questions about the man he met with, then?"

"Oh, I don't know if I'd go that far," Remus replied. "I don't think asking Peter for the wizard's name is a bad idea. If nothing else, we can give it to Dumbledore and he can decide what to do with the information."

James agreed. "Listen, you know Pete. He's a nice bloke who's still tied to his mum's apron strings. He wants to be free of her, but doesn't want any trouble, either. He doesn't think for himself much; haven't you seen that enough to know the truth of it? He's part of us, but he follows what we do; he doesn't initiate anything beyond a game or two of Wizard Chess. We've always looked out for him. If his mum's hooked some guy from the Ministry into pushing Wormtail into a job he doesn't want, then maybe Dumbledore can help him. And, if his mum's been duped as well, then that's all the more reason to say something to the Headmaster."

Remus nodded. "It's 6th year. Newts' year. As James says, we might be able to help Pete avoid taking a miserable job that he'll hate for the rest of his life."

"All right, mates," Sirius looked at his friends. "Who's going to do the asking, then?"

"I will," Remus said, rising. "In fact, I think I'll head back and wake him up for breakfast. It wouldn't do for him to see us all trooping in together after he's missed out on everything we've done together this summer. He'll just feel left out again."

"Good man," James grinned. "We'll meet you in the Great Hall in a bit." He inclined his head toward Sirius before continuing, "It will give this one the chance to take a much-needed shower!" James ducked, laughing, as Sirius took a good natured swing at his arm.

After Remus had left, the two remaining Marauders watched his progress up the path to the castle and when Remus had disappeared over the hill, they began their own, slower trek across the grounds.

XXXXXXXX

When Sirius and James arrived at the castle, Sirius headed directly to the showers while James took a seat in the common room to await his friends. It wasn't long before Kate, then Lily joined him and James brought them both up to speed on the morning's events.

Kate, in particular, felt relieved that Sirius had listened to reason and was willing to take a more logical approach to "the mystery man" who had met with Peter in London. If it was Thomas O'Hanlon, the Headmaster, James' father and Sirius' uncle could look into the matter and respond accordingly. If it wasn't her mother's new husband, they could direct their time to investigating his other activities. Soon, footsteps were heard on the dormitory staircase and Peter, followed by Remus, soon appeared. A moment later, Sirius joined them.

"Hungry, mates?" Sirius grinned, loping one arm over Peter's shoulders and the other around Kate's waist.

"I could eat a hippogriff," the plump boy declared as the group moved forward.

With a laugh, Sirius removed his arm, allowing Peter to fall in step with James. Sirius caught Remus' eye and lifted an eyebrow. "Yes?" he mouthed silently.

Remus nodded and smiled. He leant down and whispered, "Daniel Follensbee."

Sirius exhaled, feeling relief flood through him. He looked at Remus and smiled wryly. "And I was so sure it was O'Hanlon."

"A logical suspicion, I'd say," Remus said walking toward the portrait hole with his friend. "I still say it's worth giving Dumbledore the name for further investigation. Just in case."

Sirius nodded. "Just in case."

XXXXXXXX

The remainder of the week was spent lounging about the grounds and, prodded by the young witches, getting ready for the commencement of the new term.

During one trip to Hogsmeade for parchment and other supplies, the group stopped into The Three Broomsticks for lunch and was delighted to find Alphard Black seated in a booth, dining alone. It didn't take a great deal of effort for the students to convince their new professor to abandon his solitary meal and join them. Sirius was quick to introduce Peter to his uncle and the older wizard soon had the rather shy boy laughing at some of his more outrageous stories. On the way back to the school, Sirius put a hand on his uncle's arm, indicating that they should slow their pace and allow the others to move ahead of them on the path. When they were out of earshot, Sirius took a breath. "I was wondering if Professor Dumbledore had discovered anything about this Follensbee bloke who met with Pete in London."

Alphard nodded. "Well, he's done a bit of sleuthing and it seems that Mr. Follensbee is not a current Ministry employee." He glanced over at his young nephew and noting the frown forming on Sirius' face, was quick to add, "Now, don't start worrying just yet, my boy. Albus is making additional inquiries. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this."

Sirius remained silent.

Alphard put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Sirius, when have you ever known Albus Dumbledore to do anything by half?"

Sirius grinned, sheepishly. "I know. It's just…"

"'It's just' that you're concerned about your friend – and your young lady," Alphard finished, delighted to see a faint blush rise in the other wizard's cheeks. "She's a lovely girl, Sirius, one whose recently –acquired stepfather appears to have some rather troubling connections. It's only natural that you'd be concerned."

"Thanks for that," Sirius replied. "I reckon I'm not very good at not worrying about the people I love."

"An admirable trait – in moderation," came the kind response. "You, alone, do not carry the entire burden of worry on your shoulders, however. There are others who are actively investigating the things that are of current concern."

Sirius kicked a stone, watching it tumble and skitter lightly along in the dust before he spoke. "Has my mother made any more noise about meeting with me?"

"None, to my knowledge. Dumbledore has not indicated so at any rate," the older wizard responded. "Were you expecting her to attempt to contact you again?"

"Walburga Black does not accept defeat," Sirius looked pointedly at his uncle. "And she definitely won't appreciate being denied access to her own son – no matter that she no longer considers me as such."

"There is little chance that she can get to you without Dumbledore's knowledge, son; you know this."

"Yes, but she can still wreak havoc in other ways." Sirius' voice was quiet. "You know this."

Alphard nodded sadly. "You're thinking of Regulus."

"She'll turn him," Sirius said with a quiet finality. "She'll prey on his fear of all that he saw last year."

"He could always stand up to her," Alphard suggested, but Sirius immediately shook his head.

"No! He won't defy her. Regulus is weak, Uncle. He's afraid of her – of both of them, actually – and with good reason."

"Perhaps you can influence him if what you fear does come to pass," Alphard ventured. "You've probably more influence over Regulus than you realize, you know."

When there was no response, Alphard allowed the silence as the pair plodded along the path. Eventually, Sirius spoke.

"He's seen the consequences of defying Orion and Walburga Black – and more than once." He shook his head, thinking back to the Christmas holiday and his treatment at his parents' hands.

"And he's risen to the occasion – more than once," Alphard gently reminded his nephew. "If young Regulus was influenced solely by your parents, he would not have done so."

Sirius recalled how his younger brother had brought toast to the cellar where he had been imprisoned at Christmas. His thoughts then turned to more recent events – and how Regulus had summoned their father home after Sirius had run away – for good. He recognized the truth in Alphard's words, but couldn't help but wonder if his own influence would be strong enough to keep his brother away from the growing Darkness which seemed to be embraced by his family.

"Give him a chance, Sirius," Alphard was saying now. "He may surprise you."

I hope so, Uncle, Sirius thought. I hope so.

XXXXXXXX

The weekend brought with it the final evidence that the summer holiday had come to an end. On Saturday evening, the six friends arrived in the Great Hall for dinner to find the High Table back in its familiar place. The highly polished, wooden surfaces of the House tables once again gleamed in their orderly rows. While the group regretted that their holiday was over, they felt a sense of rightness in the comfortable familiarity of the sight.

"Come, children," the Headmaster called from his center seat. "We've set your places up here with us this evening."

Sirius gave James a mischievous grin. "Let's see how the other half lives, eh, Jamie?"

James returned the grin with an equally dangerous one of his own. "Who knows if we'll ever get another chance?"

The students settled themselves in and Dumbledore clapped his hands together. Immediately, the golden platters filled. "Tuck in, everyone!"

During dinner, Sirius looked up and caught Remus gazing out over the empty tables. He leaned over to his friend. "Looking into the future, mate?"

To his surprise, Remus' expression reflected both longing – and sadness. "Not mine, I'm afraid."

Sirius laid down his knife and fork. "Remus, look what you've accomplished. You're a Hogwarts' student – and the best and brightest of us, at that! You once told me how you never thought you would get your letter – yet, here you are. You're living proof that nothing is impossible."

Remus shook his head. "This is. No –," Remus strove to head off the protest he knew was coming. "Padfoot, I appreciate what you're saying, but listen to me for a moment. I am here because Albus Dumbledore took a risk. He convinced the faculty and staff that my condition could be managed and he built the Shrieking Shack – and planted the Whomping Willow tree as protections. HE swore them all to secrecy. We've been incredibly lucky that so many are so loyal to him. Otherwise, I may never have had this chance. We've also been lucky that, in the majority, things have worked out so well. That's not a jab, Padfoot," the young werewolf added softly, noting the sadness the crossed the other wizard's face. "But it does serve as a reminder of how easily things can go pear-shaped." Remus' gaze returned to the tables that would soon be filled by both the returning and new students. When he turned back to Sirius, resignation and regret filled his eyes. "As a student, this was possible. I am here to have the chance for an education. I am just one student amongst hundreds of others. It's far easier for my condition to be hidden from the school's Governors as a student than it would be if I were a teacher. Parents would not tolerate a werewolf donning professors' robes and instructing their children."

Sirius watched his friend as he spoke and found himself appalled anew at the prejudice that inhabited their world – a prejudice that prevented this very intelligent wizard from doing something he so obviously loved.

"Things have to change," he said, jaw set.

Remus smiled. "Perhaps they will one day. Not now, though; with so much Darkness rising, we dark creatures are hardly welcomed with open arms."

"It's not right, Moony," Sirius said. "You were cursed; you didn't choose the wolf. You would be as good a teacher as anyone – better than most; you deserve the chance."

Remus didn't reply; instead turning his attention back to his meal.

"What will you do after we've finished at Hogwarts, Moony?" Sirius' voice betrayed his concern.

Ah; caught on, have you? Remus looked over at his friend and sighed. "I don't know, Pads. It's likely that I'll have to find something in the Muggle world; tutoring, perhaps. It will allow me to schedule around the moon each month."

"Or, you could tutor in our world," Sirius replied. "As long as no one knew about Moony you could have the same flexibility in scheduling your sessions."

"Possibly, Sirius, but you must realize that wizards are more likely than Muggles to figure out the truth of what I am," Remus smiled sadly. "There's not much point to this discussion, really, and no need to dwell on it, either. It is, after all, my problem to deal with, eh?"

Sirius shook his head. "Not alone, it isn't. There's still the better part of two years before you have to worry about all of this. We'll figure something out by then; I know we will."

Remus nodded. "Of course we will." There's no point to riling you up, either, Pads. You can think what you will, the reality of it will present itself soon enough.

"This time tomorrow the Hall will look – and sound – quite different than it does tonight." Dumbledore glanced down the table in their direction. "Are you all prepared for the start of the new year?"

"Oh, yes," Lily replied. "We've been to Diagon Alley and have our books and supplies in order." The others nodded.

Dumbledore's rather benign smile remained in place. "Excellent! And have you reconciled yourselves to the loss of certain freedoms that quite naturally follow being the only students in the castle?"

Sirius glanced over at James and hoped the sudden rush of color he noted on his friend's face wasn't a mirror reflection of his own. Professor McGonagall's murmured, "Albus?" did nothing to quell the heat.

James finally found his voice. "Well, sir, we've done without those 'freedoms' for five years; I believe we can manage for 2 more."

McGonagall's expression reflected her confusion. "I'm sure I don't know what you're both referring to, but…"

Dumbledore reached over and patted her hand. "Explorations, Professor. Just youthful explorations."

McGonagall huffed. "Well, I would strongly suggest that everyone give up exploring this evening in favor of retiring early. You'll be all that much better for it come Monday morning."

Sirius waited until the professors were engaged in conversation before leaning over to Kate and whispering, "We wouldn't want to disappoint McGonagall, would we? Shall we 'retire early', then?"

Kate flushed and Sirius saw the corner of her mouth turn up slightly. "Oh, do eat your ice cream," she whispered back.

XXXXXXXX

Late the following morning Sirius and Kate gathered their things and looked around the Room of Requirement before heading up to Gryffindor tower.

"I might have hated the circumstances that brought us here, but I am going to miss coming to this Room with you every night," Sirius said softly. He moved to where Kate stood and took her in his arms.

"I know," she agreed when he broke their kiss. "But perhaps we'll be able to come back once in awhile."

Back in the Tower, each returned to their respective dormitories to drop off their belongings before meeting back in the common room. Kate stepped off the stairway to find Remus waiting by the hearth.

"Good morning," she said, moving into the room to give her friend a brief hug in greeting.

Remus smiled in return. "Good morning. I assume we're waiting for Sirius to join us."

Kate nodded. "Have you seen James yet?" The missing Marauder and Lily had 'retired early' the previous evening, as well, also realizing that these intimate moments would now be few and far between.

"He came through a few moments ago," Remus confirmed. "Said Lily was waiting for us downstairs."

The portrait swung inward with a bang and Peter hurried into the room, intent on getting to the staircase.

"What's the rush, Peter?" Remus called and the other boy jumped slightly before turning around. "We've got a few minutes before lunch; no need to hurry."

"Remus! Kate! I didn't see you there," he replied. "Lunch – yes. I just want to go up to the dorm for a minute. Be right back." And he was gone before they could say another word.

Kate chuckled. "Well, that was certainly odd."

"I thought he was in the Great Hall with Lily," Remus mused.

"Well, that explains it," Kate replied. "You know how nervous he is around her, poor boy; she intimidates him something awful sometimes."

"You're right, you know," Remus said. "I think we all might want to work on that a bit. Peter's life doesn't sound like it's very much his own – at school or at home. It would be nice for him if he felt comfortable somewhere, don't you think?"

The two friends sat together quietly for a few moments before Kate spoke again. "Remus, have we made you uncomfortable these last weeks? I mean, have you minded that Sirius and James haven't spent much time in the dormitory since we returned?"

"Not at all, Kate; really," came the quick reply. "No one is happier for the four of you than I am, after all. You're my best friends, after all."

Kate reached over and put her hand over his. "It will be nice when Dorcas arrives later today. You must have missed her this summer, especially these past few weeks."

Remus looked at their joined hands. "Yes, it will be good to see her again." There was something about his tone that struck Kate as odd but before she could question Remus, the thunder of footsteps on the stone stairs announced the arrival of James, Sirius and Peter, the latter clutching a piece of parchment in his left fist, face flushed.

"Come on, Pete," James was saying, voice teasing. "Give over. Who's sending you owls, then?" The boy feinted toward Peter's left hand and was amazed to find himself staring at the end of Peter's wand which the boy was holding tightly in his right.

"Blimey, Wormtail," James said, taking a step backward, "no real need for that, is there? I reckon I don't care that much, after all."

"You just don't know when to let up – either of you," Peter spluttered, lowering his wand to his side in a jerky motion that bespoke his irritation. "I said that it was private, but you just couldn't let it go, could you? Had to chase me down the stairs for it; had to make a scene down here. You wouldn't do that to him," here the boy thrust out his chin in Sirius' direction. "You shouldn't do it to me, either."

Remus had stood when the trio first entered the room and now took a tentative step toward the angry wizard. "Don't worry about it, Peter. You're absolutely right; you're as entitled to your privacy as the rest of us. They were just teasing you."

Sirius was still eyeing the smaller wizard warily. "Yeah; just like always, Pete," he said quietly. "We didn't mean anything by it."

Peter looked 'round at his circle of friends and this time there was no anger in his expression. "It's just…well, it's a….it's not for you lot to -….it's complicated."

"Your mum, then?" James asked. "Is that…"

"It's not that … oi - I do know other witches, you know," Peter said loudly.

"To be honest with you, Wormtail, we haven't really ever heard that you …" Sirius stopped and a slow smile spread over his face. "Oi, it's from that bird you met over the summer, isn't it? Sent you a love letter, did she?" Content he'd identified the crux of the problem, Sirius stepped forward and clapped Peter on the back. "Good man! Made quite the impression on her!"

Peter took a breath as if to respond, but in the end exhaled loudly. "I suppose you're going to pester me about who…"

"No, Peter," Remus shook his head. "This is your affair. If you want to tell us about her, or that parchment, you can. Otherwise, we're going to leave it alone – all of us." This last was said while he looked at Sirius and James.

"Thanks," Peter said. "Go on down to lunch. I'm just going to send a quick note back; I'll catch you up."

The others agreed and the group walked through the portrait hole and continued down to the entrance of the castle. There, Peter turned toward the front doors while the rest of the group walked into the Great Hall.

"Well that was interesting," Kate said as the friends joined Lily at the otherwise empty Head table. The teachers were in conference for the afternoon so the students had the Hall to themselves.

"What was interesting?" Lily wanted to know.

The five friends brought her up to speed on the events that had just transpired in the tower. "He drew his wand over a message?" Lily's voice registered her concern.

"Yeah. Strange, isn't it?" James commented.

Lily shook her head. "No, it's not 'strange', James. I'd say it's probably well overdue." When the bespectacled wizard started to protest, Lily raised her hand. "Stop. Don't say a thing – either of you. You've always teased that poor boy unmercifully. It's no wonder he finally snapped. How long did you think you could pick away at him before he did?"

"But don't you think there might be more to it than that, Lily?" Kate asked. "I mean, really; it seems more likely that Peter would go off the rails a bit if they were teasing him as they normally do. They weren't – not really."

"You weren't there, Lily," Sirius put in. "You didn't see him."

Lily waved her hand dismissively. "I wasn't there this time, more to the point. Sirius, I've seen you and James in action before. I'm certain that Peter had just reached the end of his rope. You were infringing on his privacy and you wouldn't let it go. No – this doesn't have anything to do with any owl he received; this was the last straw, so to speak. You have to leave off. Find something else to amuse yourselves with." A movement near the door caught her attention and she nodded toward the open hall. "Here he comes. Don't say another word about that owl…Peter!" Lily turned to greet the other wizard as he approached the table.

Peter smiled and took his seat. Looking around at his friends, he asked, "Are we going to have lunch or are we going to sit up here grinning at each other instead?"

Lily shrugged and laughed and one by one, the friends began to fill their plates. James watched Peter thoughtfully for a moment until Sirius elbowed him in the ribs. "Peter's appetite hasn't suffered from his little tantrum," he whispered. "If you're hungry, Prongs, you'd better dig in before there's nothing left. "

James nodded and, with a final glance in the smaller boy's direction, turned his attention to his own plate.

For those of you who are still reading this story, I thank you for your continued patience at the snail's pace of my updates. Life has become very hectic but I hope to be able to schedule more consistent time to write. Thank you once again!