Written for THC, Gryffindor, DADA, Stand-in, Round 4, Drabble.

Prompt: [Character] Sirius Black

Word Count: 976

Beta(s): secretfanficlover, Aya, Butterflies765

Sirius jogged down the wet pathway. The rain splashed down around him, soaking his clothes and drowned out the sound of his ragged breaths. How people did this for fun was beyond Sirius' understanding. Though, to outside observers, he hoped he looked like he was out for a casual jog. In reality, he was trying to lose a trail.

He knew that he himself was relatively safe, their real target was James Potter. They probably hoped Sirius would lead them to him. He would never do that, even if it meant running for three hours. However, that didn't mean that his legs weren't aching, or feeling like they were about to drop off.

Slowly, he came to a stop and took a deep breath. His lungs were burning. He looked around, and despite not being able to see anybody, he knew he couldn't trust that they weren't still there.

Stretching out his tired and sore arms, he waited a few long moments before slipping out his wand and Apparating away from his current location; one that was now in the opposite direction to his previous destination.

The squeezing sensation was comforting after the running. It was a sensation he was used to, one he was familiar with, unlike the awful jogging. Seeping in a deep breath, he heard a quiet pop in the distance; he was still being followed.

With a hidden frown on his face, he walked the twenty-minute journey back to his lonely house. It had been raided several times by Death Eaters. He knew it wasn't safe, but he could survive; he'd rather crash here, a place which they already knew about, instead of allowing himself to be followed to a safe house or even worse, his best friend's house, and risk them all for the sake of comfort.

The squeaking floorboards behind him gave him no choice. It was time to fight.

Spinning around, he paused. "Pete?"

"Hi."

Sirius took a deep breath. "What are you doing here?"

Peter looked around awkwardly. "I… I… stunned the person following you. And they stopped moving."

A proud grin filled his whole expression. "Way to go, Pete!" He clapped his friend on the back.

"Thanks. Can we go see James?"

"Let me do a detection charm first, mate," he said, loosening the hold on his wand and muttering the charm. After a minute he grinned and took Peter's arm before Apparating both of them straight into Potter Cottage.

"Balance Potatoes," Sirius and Peter said in unison.

Sirius grinned at Lily's wand sparking with blue lights and was thankful when she lowered it.

"You're late!" she commented, putting her wand away.

"Sorry, stupid Death Eaters. Almost didn't come." Sirius looked around before heading out of the cosy living room. "Where's Jamie?"

"Putting Harry down for the night," Lily answered.

Sirius sighed and dropped down onto the couch. "It's the day before Halloween and I missed the chance to see my Godson."

Peter sat down next to you. "They're always following you."

"I know."

"They must know," Peter finished.

Sirius glanced at Lily and then Peter. "What are you saying?"

Peter fiddled with the end of his jumper, the ratty seams being pulled by the slightly chubby fingers. "Everybody knows that you two are best friends. If I wanted to get James, I'd follow Sirius, too. They know… well… think… that eventually, you'll slip up."

"He's right," James said from the door. "If they didn't know you're our Secret Keeper, then they're stupid."

Sirius huffed. He hated the thought that they may know he is the Secret Keeper. "Then we'll transfer it over to you, James, so they can't get to any of you," he said, the decision made up in his mind. He watched Lily walk out as James came and sat next to him.

"You know why we don't want it to be Lily or me. One of us would have to let you in every time. Going in and out just doesn't suit us."

"What if… I am the Secret Keeper?" Peter asked.

Sirius bowed his head. He'd failed to protect them. "Maybe that would be for the best." He took a breath and tried to lighten the mood. "I could take them on wild goose chases, they'd be none-the-wiser on the switch."

Peter nodded. "Yeah, then you'll be safer."

James grinned. "Great idea. But I think I have a more difficult decision."

"What?"

"Lily and I have been talking on and off about this. But we think it might be best if we didn't have visitors for a while. Keep Sirius as the Secret Keeper for now, but we can adjust that in the future, and just…"

"Isolate yourselves?" Sirius asked. This was crazy!

Peter shook his head. "No…"

Sirius felt James' hand on his shoulder and looked at him. "It's for the best. But we'll be in contact and we'll get together again soon. I promise."

Reluctantly, Sirius nodded. He'd much rather just make Peter the Secret Keeper to keep them safe, that way, he could still see them. This way, however, meant he wouldn't see all of the firsts of his Godson. But sacrifices had to be made.

"I'm going to go and say goodbye to my favourite Godson," he said dejectedly and stood up. He wanted to fight James' decision but he knew it would keep them as safe as possible. The foot traffic in and out of the cottage was making things riskier.

"James, I can be your Secret Keeper, they wouldn't suspect me..." he heard Peter's voice drift off as he snuck up the stairs and into the colour room of Harry.

"I'll see you soon, Harry. We'll win this war," Sirius promised before planting a kiss on the baby's forehead.

Sirius would end this war, he would kill Voldemort, even if he died trying.