Sirius Black lay practically lifeless against the icy stone wall. He blankly looked at the patch of moonlight that streaked across the ground. He could tell the moon wasn't full, not that it mattered what stage the moon was in anymore. It came through the small slit in the wall, the same one that let the salty air blow into his wretched cell. It didn't do much to alleviate the stench that filled the small room, but that hardly bothered Sirius anymore.

No, after nearly half a decade he was long since unaffected by the smell. Not even the cold temperature of the room bothered him anymore. It was nothing compared to the icy chill the Dementors carried around themselves.

The not so young man could always tell when they were coming closer. His joints were the first to know, aching in a similar way to an old woman sensing a storm on the rise. If only he was predicting a storm, that would have been much better.

Luckily he'd found himself a small respite from the dementors' care. Someone new must have been brought in recently, providing a fresh supply for the dark creatures. The man wasn't celebrating this, only taking what he could get in such a place.

He felt numb at the moment. Numb wasn't a bad thing, it was probably the best he could hope for considering where he was. His 'peaceful' moment was stolen from him all too quickly.

A set of footsteps echoing through the hallway brought him back to himself. He groaned, banging the back of his head lightly against the stone wall a few times in protest. It didn't hurt, merely got his brain working. Like a good slap to the cheeks wake you up in the morning.

It wasn't everyday people roamed the halls of Azkaban. Had it already been a month since the last inspection? The man furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. It was hard to keep track of time here, but he was almost positive it hadn't been a month. Perhaps they were bringing a new room mate for the empty cell beside his? He had been 'alone' on this side of the tower for a good while.

Honestly he preferred it that way, listening to someone lose their mind was taxing. He was only just holding his own sanity as it was.

The man shook his head, trying to clear thoughts bouncing around inside it. He pushed them down, turning his attention to the quickly approaching people.

It didn't take long for them to reach his cell. He fully expected them to move past him without a sideways glance. That was usually what happened. Most people ignored 'the man who betrayed the Potters'. A select few had taken the time to speak with him, usually Fudge. The man was an odd one, but Sirius welcomed the civil conversation.

"Black."

The sound almost startled the man. He looked up to see two unfamiliar Aurors standing outside his cell, looking at him expectantly.

Well he wasn't expecting that.

"W-what..." He tried to speak but found it hoarse, dusty from lack of proper use. He cleared his throat forcefully, determined to speak to his guests.

"What can I do for you?" He forced the words out. They sounded rough, almost unfamiliar to him. The smooth tone of his youth was long gone.

"We need you to come with us." The Auror spoke again, a slight look of surprise on his face.

Perhaps he wasn't expecting such a reply from a prisoner. Sirius couldn't blame him, most people kept here went mad rather quickly. The high security section was more closely patrolled by the Dementors.

It took him a moment more to process the words the man had spoken. He was going somewhere?

A small butterfly of hope took off in his heart. It lingered for only a moment, the man closed his eyes as he held it in his chest. And then he crushed it. There was no way he was getting a trial. It was foolish to hope.

He shook his head, suppressing his emotions like he'd been trained to as a child. He hated doing it, using the skill his mother had forced upon him.

Ignoring that, he pushed up against the wall slowly coming to his feet.

"Where are we going?" He asked, leaning heavily against the wall for support.

The younger of the two Auror's huffed, obviously not happy about something. The older of the two men shot the kid a glare. He cleared his throat, turning back to Sirius.

"Someone has asked to see you."

If Sirius hadn't been leaning against the wall he would have collapsed. He struggled to keep the seal on his emotions, but knew if he let it slip he would burst into tears. The shock that someone had come to see him after all this time hit him hard. Names flew through his mind. Remus? Andy? Dumbledore?

Harry?

Each one was dismissed quickly. It was nonsense, none of those people would be here. Why had he even thought of Harry, who would be mad enough to bring a child to Azkaban?

That didn't stop him from picturing the sweet little boy from his memories. He could almost feel the little hands playfully slapping his cheeks. He could practically hear the eruption of giggles that the boy let loose as they played.

"Mr. Black?"

Sirius was once again pulled back into reality. He reached up, wiping a stray tear from his cheek. He slammed down the seal on his emotions. He pushed the memories as far back as he could, lest the Dementors ripped them from his mind.

"Yes..." He paused, gathering his strength. " I was just a little surprised, that's all."

The younger Auror glared at Sirius, while the older one simply nodded.

"I'm going to bind you now." The middle aged man held the prisoner's gaze. "If you try anything..."

The man left his sentence hanging, he didn't need to finish it. Dementors had permission to kiss on sight. Sirius shuttered at the thought.

"As much as I love a good snog, I think I'll pass." Sirius surprised himself with the quick reply. It felt reminiscent of something he might have quipped back in school. He couldn't help the small half smile that tugged at his lips.

The younger Auror looked disgusted, almost shocked at his words. The older of the two actually smiled at Sirius' joke, shaking his head.

It didn't take long for the two Aurors to bind him, thick magic restricting cuffs and a good few spells now littered his person. They escorted him down the winding hallways, moving slowly so Sirius could maintain the speed.

The man was surprised they were treating him so well, considering what everyone believed had happened that night on Halloween. Though it looked like the younger of the two Aurors was only following the lead of his superior.

Once they reached an interrogation room he was linked to the chair and table. They laced more magic on him, but eventually they left Sirius alone in the room.

Nothing had changed in the room since he was booked, though it felt a bit warmer than his cell. The walls were still plain, only one door in and out.

A moment later the door swung open, the young Auror escorting the visitors into the room.

Sirius stood up instinctually, the young Auror instantly drawing his wand. The chained man ignored it, staring at the guest.

"Sir." He nodded once, much like he would have years ago.

Alastor Moody hobbled into the room, a stern expression set on his face. For a moment he seemed surprised, halting in the doorway. He stared down Sirius, his expression not giving any hints to his inner thoughts.

Sirius remained standing, keeping his eyes on his mentor. He kept his breaths light, focusing only on his mentor.

"At ease." The gruff man responded at last.

Sirius shoulders dropped on command. He hadn't even noticed how he was holding himself until then. Old habits die hard, especially when drilled into by a man such as the one before him.

Moody turned to the young Auror who was still holding his wand out towards Sirius.

"You too Myers." He pushed past the young kid, moving deeper into the room.

Myers, as he was called, looked conflicted for a moment. Though he slowly lowered his wand, glaring daggers at Sirius once again.

Another figure slowly stepped into the room, one Sirius wasn't familiar with.

Now it might have been a moment since Sirius had seen a proper woman, but he'd like to think that didn't affect his judgment.

A lovely woman had walked in, dressed in nice muggle clothing. A simple blouse and jeans, though she wore a nice jacket that reminded Sirius of his old leather one. Her red hair was freely flowing, landing at about her shoulders. It wasn't as deep a red as Lily's had been, but still unmistakably red. Across her face was a dusting of freckles. They made her look young, though if he had to guess she was probably about to enter her thirties.

The woman smiled at Sirius genuinely. Though as she took in his appearance she seemed more apologetic. She didn't say anything, simply walking over to join Moody in front of the table. Unlike the older man, she sat down across from him.

They waited a moment in silence. Sirius brow furrowing as he truly did not know who this woman was.

"That will be all Myers." Alastor finally spoke, dismissing the young cadet.

Myers did not look happy about it, quickly opening his mouth to argue. Moody turned to glare at the boy, his magical eye spinning wildly. The words never came out of the young kid's mouth. He simply frowned, leaving the room as he was ordered.

The room was once again silent, leaving Sirius alone with the two visitors. Sirius quickly lost the strength to stand, not having used his legs so much in many years. He sat in silence once more, Alastor turned back to stare at Sirius maintaining eye contact, as if the man was reading his soul.

"Shall we get started then?" The young woman began, her silky kind voice pulled the attention of both men.

Sirius couldn't help but wonder what she meant, but Alastor spoke before he could.

"Aye," He paused, looking away from Sirius. "You promised me answers lass."

Sirius' brow furrowed, even more confused.

"And you'll get them," The girl replied with a slight smile. "But first things first. My name is Rosie and I'm here to deliver a letter to you Mr. Black."

Sirius eyed the woman before him with slight suspicion. He'd never received a letter since being locked up, not even the goblins had sent him anything. What sort of letter was worth coming all the way here? More than that, why did she come with Alastor Moody of all people? The man didn't even want to imagine the amount of paperwork required to visit someone in the high security cell.

"What sort of letter?" The man stared into the eyes of the woman sitting across from him. There was more to this, there had to be. Another small flutter of hope took flight in his chest. Could this be his chance?

The woman smiled widely, reaching inside her coat pocket.

"Well," She paused, digging her arm deep into the coat, much deeper than she should have been able to go. "I actually have a few of them for you."

She exclaimed slightly as she hoisted out a small bundle of letters. She set them on the table, smiling down at them.

Sirius looked up from the strange woman to his previous mentor, only to find him pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"Let's start with this one, shall we?" Rosie extended the letter across the table towards him, a smile still on her face.

The worn man hesitated, looking down at the outstretched parchment. How long had it been since he'd held such a thing?

Holding his breath he gathered all his courage. He reached up, only just being able to grab the letter with the magical restraints on him.

Sirius rubbed his dirty fingers across the envelope soaking in the sensation of it. He couldn't stop himself as he raised it to his nose and simply breathed in the scent. Instantly he was mentally back in the library with his friends. Goofing off with James while Remus tried to help Peter study.

The flashback only lasted a moment, but Sirius felt more human than he had in years. Perhaps this was what Remus had ment all those years ago when he said he found the smell of books comforting. The man couldn't help but smile at the thought, only now remembering he wasn't alone.

He ignored the other people, deciding to instead focus on the letter in his hand. He slowly opened it, pulling out a folded piece of parchment inside. He found himself faced with a child's drawing.

A small house, a boy, and a dog. Above the drawing was the messy scrawl of a child.

'To Uncle Padfoot

Love Harry'

Tears welled in the man's eyes. He lowered the letter, reaching up to cover his eyes. The tears fell, but he held back the sobs.

This couldn't be real. It just couldn't. Whoever was looking after Harry would have been told the same story as everyone else. No one in their right mind would let a boy send a letter to the person who 'murdered' his parents. This was a trick.

Sirius pushed down the emotions. He was being toyed with for some sick reason. As if he wasn't suffering enough.

"That was a sick joke." He forced the words out. The man pulled his hand away, ignoring the tear stains on his dirty face. He glared at the woman in front of him. What game was she playing at?

Rosie simply wore a sad, apologetic look. She seemed unsurprised by his reaction.

"It's not a joke. Harry insisted that was the first letter you should open. He made me solemnly swear it."

Sirius felt his emotions flare. He stood up, slamming his hands on the table.

"Who put you up to this?" He growled, cuffs around his wrists tightened preventing him from moving closer to the woman. "You really expect me to believe this is real?"

"Sit down Black." Alastor took a step towards the table, speaking in a low threatening tone.

The man didn't move, remaining where he stood as he continued to glare at the woman in front of him. Rosie didn't even flinch at his outburst. She held a single hand up, stopping Alastor from interfering physically.

"It's fine Ally," She spoke, not taking her eyes away from the mad man before her. "He has every reason to react like that."

Alastor went to speak, but she cut him off quickly.

"Would you believe it?" She let the question hang in the air. "Would you actually believe your Godson had sent you a letter, Alastor?"

The old man remained silent, letting out a slight huff.

"That's what I thought." She stated, focusing once again on the man still glaring at her. She waved her hand, summoning the drawing from where it fell during Sirius's outburst.

"You don't have to believe it, I don't expect you to." Rosie spoke softly as she smoothed out the wrinkles on the paper. "All I'm here to do is deliver these letters and make sure you read them. Whatever happens after that will be up to you."

"Have I not been tortured enough?" Sirius snarled. "You should have just left me to rot in my cell."

Rosie let out a small sad sigh, reaching out for another letter. She held it out to the man, holding his gaze.

"Finish these letters first, then we'll see if you really want to."

Sirius stared at the letter she held out to him, his face contorting into one of disgust. He snatched it out of the girl's hand roughly, crumpling it slightly as he did.

"Let's just get this over with." He hissed, shifting his glare to his mentor.

Sirius felt sick watching the man just stand there while this woman toyed with him. Perhaps he had felt too much hope seeing the man he'd once looked up to so much.

Sirius couldn't help but wonder if Remus had told this woman about the password they'd used for the map. He was the only one who could have given it to her. For her to slip it into the conversation like that was sly, it pushed him over the edge. Perhaps that's why she did it.

He felt his heart break a little more, just when he thought it wasn't possible. It was just too much. Was this what he got for having a little hope? He tried to rein himself in, to push down the pain. He didn't want to give them satisfaction.

He looked down at the next letter with disgust and dread. It was probably going to be worse than the last one, though Sirius couldn't think of many things worse than that first letter.

He flipped the envelope over only to see it magically closed with a Blood Seal, a Potter Family blood seal.

"I'm sure you know what that is Mr. Black." Rosie cut in, pulling the man's bewildered eyes back to her.

"Where did you get this?" The man simply stared, as if the woman had grown another head.

"That was recovered from the Potter estate. As it is a Blood Seal, only the intended recipient can open it."

Sirius looked back down at the small envelope. He could feel the magic in the Potter Crest, it pulsed against his skin the same way the old family wards did. He couldn't stop himself.

He broke the seal feeling the Potter Family magic wash over him. It felt like home.

This was real. No one could fake family magic like that. Even if they tried, he knew what the Potter magic felt like better than his own family. He would never forget the peaceful powerful love that enveloped him every time he stepped into the Potter's domain. He still craved it to this day.

He looked up, meeting the eyes of the strange woman. She simply smiled back at him, not saying a thing.

Sirius couldn't stand anymore, dropping back onto the hard seat. His hands felt clammy, uncooperative as he tried to pull the letter from its casing. He finally got it free, leaving the shaken man to roam over a very familiar handwriting.

James'

"Ello Padfoot,

I hope you never have to read this letter. My dream is to cast it into the fire one day soon with you and the others by my side. I hear watching a Blood Sealed Letter burn is quite a spectacle. Of course only I could create such a thing, being the most handsome and amazing Marauder of us all.

If you are in fact reading this then I'm afraid I have to ask a favor of you my friend. Forgive me for leaving first. I know you guys will manage, we've always been resourceful. Please try to remember that you're not alone Sirius.

You need to rely on people, don't stay alone. I know you'll raise Harry well, and love him like you should have been. The others will help you, and I'm confident my son will turn out alright.

I've always thought you'd make the best father one day. I'm hoping I still win that bet with Peter, so you better find someone! I want at least one child named after me, you hear me Pads!

Good! I suppose you can be the most handsome and amazing Marauder...

For now... At least till Harry grows up.

~Mischief Managed "

Sirius clenched the letter in his hands, tears freely flowing once again. His quiet sobs were not by choice, he simply couldn't make a sound. His chest was tight. His head throbbed.

Neither Alastor nor Rosie interrupted the man as he wept. He worked through his emotions slowly, but surely. This letter was both a gift and a curse. On one hand, for just a moment James was alive again in Sirius' mind. On the other, he had said his final goodbye.

Eventually his tears ran out, he simply sat in the chair holding the letter tightly as he tried to catch his breath.

Rosie continued to give him a comforting sad smile, while Alastor looked quite startled by Sirius' reaction.

"Thank you." The drained man spoke, his voice nearly cracking as he did.

The woman nodded, waving her hand to create a cup of water. She held it out to him, letting him drink the water.

"Mr. Black," She probed, "May I see the letter?"

Sirius instinctually held the parchment closer to himself. He'd only just received this small part of his friend, as she wanted to take it from him?

"I will return it to you, I just need to see the Family Decree."

Sirius' head tilted to the side in slight confusion. What was she talking about? It was just a personal letter.

"The red card inside..." She continued, seeing his confusion. "A Blood Sealed letter requires a Family Decree to be made in the first place."

The man did vaguely recall something like that now that he thought about it. He looked down at the letter in his hand seeing nothing of the sort. He flipped the letter over, again finding nothing.

"May I?" The woman held out her hand, still wearing a soft, kind smile.

Sirius stared at her hand, then met her eyes. He pushed down the selfish desire to decline her request, hesitantly holding out the parchment to her.

She took the paper, glancing over the cursive script. She seemed surprised by the contents, only nodding to herself once she reached the end of the letter.

"I see." She mumbled. "How fitting."

The woman smiled, bringing it to rest on the table with the writing face down. Sirius watched as the girl pulled out her wand from inside her coat, waving it over the parchment.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

Sirius' mouth fell open.

He watched as red ink began to gather on the back of the letter, condensing into a small red card. All three people in the room watched as the card slowly lifted off the page.

It glowed brightly in a similar red hue as the voice of James filled the room.

" I, James Fleamont Potter, as the head of the great and prestigious house of Potter do hereby declare to any and all who should know that Sirius Orion Black is my blood brother. As such, he shall be respected and revered from this moment forth as Sirius Orion Potter Black, given all the rights and responsibilities according to his title. "

The card shattered into glowing dust, shooting off in all directions leaving the room once again in silence.

"What the hell was that?" Alastor finally spoke, his face the pinnacle of shock.

"That was a Family Declaration. James hid it within the letter, a last tick so to speak. Thankfully he gave us a hint to bring it to life."

Sirius stared at the woman before him, things clicking into place. He'd been so enthralled by the memory of his friend that he'd missed the hidden message.

Jame's last line was the hint, but how did she know that? Why did she seem to already know what the letter had said?

The girl continued speaking to the head Auror, unaware of the prisoner's drifting thoughts.

"I do believe it has just gone out to announce its decree." Rosie turned to him with a smirk.

Alastor glared at the girl, letting out a gruff huff.

"And what the ruddy hell does that mean Rose?"

The woman turned back to look at the stunned man across the table, ignoring the frustrated Auror.

"It means Sirius Black is Innocent."

The man in question couldn't help suck in a shocked breath. He held it in, as if letting it go would snuff out the words Rose had just spoken.

"That's what you said before." The older man groaned loudly, wiping his face exasperatedly. "But how does that prove anything?"

"Because if he betrayed the Potter's he would be dead." The woman stated plainly. "James Potter basically adopted Mr. Black as his brother, linking him to the Family Magic. If he was the one who betrayed the Potters, then the magical backlash would have killed him when the card had been activated."

Alastor stilled, his one good eye wide while the magical one simply focused on her.

"You gambled with his life?" The older man practically growled at the woman. "He might be a prisoner, but you had no right!"

Sirius was caught off guard by how angry his old mentor sounded. The man looked properly upset, gripping his staff so tightly his knuckles had gone white.

"I would do no such thing!" Rosie cut in, sounding entirely offended by Alastor's words. "We need him alive if we're going to do this properly. I knew Sirius was innocent, there was never a chance that he was the one who turned on the Potter's!"

The man was confused by her words. Why on earth did they need him? What could he possibly have that was worth all this? Sirius shook his head, dispelling thoughts of her seaking fame or fortune. There was something larger at play here, he could practically smell it.

How could she have possibly known of his innocence. Why had she waited all this time to come here if she knew? She acted as if it was obvious he'd never turn on his friends, yet most others had believed Peter's skillful deceit in an instant. Why was she different?

Sirius stared into her eyes, trying to glean some insight into her purpose. She met them with the same constant kindness, something he could feel himself clinging to.

"That still begs the question though..." She continued, "Who truly betrayed the Potters..."

Alastor Moody had begun pacing, a nervous habit he'd still kept up whilst thinking apparently.

"It could have been anyone!" The head Auror spoke, though he quickly began muting names under his breath of the possible suspects. "I need you to tell me everything Black, all the details you can remember!"

Sirius again felt hope take off in his chest. This was really happening. He was finally going to be free!

"That's your responsibility Alastor." Rosie interrupted, "You'll have to question him on your own time. "

The chained man felt his heart sink once more. He just wanted to tell them everything right here and now.

"I'm sure you'll be thorough when you clean house." The girl threw a coy smile towards the pacing man, halting him in his tracks.

Sirius watched as his mentor's eye grew wide followed shortly by the man grinning like a mad man.

"Aye, I'll make sure things are taken care of."

The two smiled at each other in an almost sinister way, obviously having big plans in the works.

"Good."

Rosie turned away from Alastor, smiling once more to Sirius.

"There were two letters left to you in the Potter Estate, Mr. Black." The woman lifted the last letter towards Sirius. "Though this is just a normal letter, not a Blood Sealed one."

The man couldn't help but stare at the last letter, not sure what to expect from its contents. He tentatively reached out for it, easily recognizing Lilly's neat cursive on the envelope.

He hesitated, guilt swelling inside him. He'd promised Lily so much. He said he'd keep them safe, that he'd look after Harry. Instead he got himself locked up, how disappointed she would be in him...

The man closed his eyes, forcing the letter open before he could hesitate. He needed to know what she had to say, even if it hurt.

"Sirius Orion Black!

Stop blaming yourself for our deaths right this instant! Yes, I know you're doing just that! I swear you are a bloody drama queen.

It is not your fault this has happened! No, don't you dare argue with me! I know that you would lay down your life for us without a second thought. But none of that is important anymore.

Now listen to me closely, you silly man.

We may have passed on, but you can't die with us. I need you to look after my son. Love him. Protect him. Teach him to be a true Marauder, so then when you do join us I can properly scold you for it.

Live Sirius. Live for us, for Harry.

Live for yourself. You deserve to be happy.

We'll be looking after you all, so mind yourselves.

All my love

~Lily "

Sirius hung his head. Apparently he'd somehow found more tears to cry. They dropped on the letter, marking it lightly.

The man had now clue how that woman knew him so well. She truly had been an amazing woman, and friend. They'd grown to be something like siblings while she dated James. The woman had even pranked him a time or two, something that he fondly remembered.

Sirius held the two letters close to his heart, looking up to meet the eyes of Rosie.

She smiled understandingly, slowly pushing Harry's drawing back to him. He took them all into his hands, holding them close.

"W-who are you?" He pushed the question out.

The woman shook her head.

"Forgive me," She held his gaze. "I can't answer your questions yet."

The woman stood up from the table pushing the chair back.

"In a few hours you will be standing before Wizengamot. They will offer to hear your testimony under the influence of Veritaserum. "

Sirius' eyes were wide in shock. He had hoped for a trial, but how could she be sure it would happen so fast?

"You will of course agree, and for the first time you will be able to tell the world what truly happened that night."

She was right. If he had the opportunity he would take it in an instant. But what did that have to do with her?

"I don't want the Ministry to get in the way, so we'll talk once you've been cleared and released." She walked around the table, coming to stand in front of Sirius. "We'll be seeing each other sooner rather than later I reckon, Harry has been very excited to meet you."

She reached out, giving the man a small hug. He was too stunned to return it. It had been so long since someone had held him he'd nearly forgotten what it felt like.

Rosie pulled away far too soon in his opinion, but she instantly turned to Alastor and started speaking.

"Alastor, Please make sure Mr. Black here actually makes it to his trial. It would be a shame if they pushed it back for some unforeseeable reason."

Alastor raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Luckily that Family Decree will have been delivered to all influential parties. It's probably being typed up for the morning paper as we speak if I had to guess. The ministry will have a hard time covering this blunder up!" The woman chuckled to herself.

"Do you have any idea how much work you just made for me, woman?" The head Auror groned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh you love it." She teased back, though judging by the excited glint in Moody's eye she wasn't wrong.

"I'll be off then, I have more letters to deliver." She turned back, giving stunned Sirius another kind smile. "See you guys in a bit. "

As if on cue the door opened, letting the woman slip out past the two Aurors.

The room was left in silence once more, though the two guards stepped into the room to join Alastor.

There was no sign of the young Auror who had been glaring at Sirius, but the older man who escorted him was now present.

The other Auror was another older man, one Sirius recognized from his time during the war.

"Is it true what she said Alastor?" The new man spoke, his voice almost dripping with disbelief.

The head Auror let out a slow breath, looking at Sirius. The chained man watched as a small smile came his way, his mentor was relieved.

"Aye, it's true."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Eventually the new man clapped the head Auror on the shoulder, as if congratulating him.

"I never thought I'd see the day... " he began, "I thought you'd stay single forever Alastor. Didn't take you for the type to go for such a young thing. How big is the age gap between ya?"

Both Moody's magical and regular eye spun to the speaker, confusion and shock written on his face.

Sirius slowly strung the conversation together.

"Oh come on now, I'm not one to judge. She said you nearly swept her off her feet the moment you met."

The chained man watched his old Superior's face grow red, whether from rage or embarrassment he couldn't tell.

"I'm going to kill that woman." He once again pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to keep himself calm.

Sirius couldn't help the laughter that spilled out of him. He'd been through so much today. These letters, the chance to tell everyone what had happened, his freedom was just within reach. This little thing was the icing on the cake, a prank executed with the greatest of skill.

The man laughed hard, like he might have years ago. He couldn't help wondering if somewhere Lily and James were laughing at this little joke too.

First part is ANGSTY!

like wow, I wasn't expecting it to be like that.

At least it's out of my head now. The rest of this little thing is much lighter.