You all rock!

PART TWELVE - Just like James

Night had fallen upon Hogwarts. The stars were twinkling in the sky, their light reflected in the calm lake. Not a cloud was drifting above me and the moon’s thin form was barely visible. I turned my head, trying to spot “my” star. During summer Scotland is too far in the north to see it, but I’ve always enjoyed watching it during the winter months. And there it was again, just above the horizon, brighter than any other star.

This star has always given me a kind of warmth and also strength – which I would definitely need this night. Tonight could be the night when everything could change. If I managed to catch the rat tonight everything would be over once and for all.

But I was still waiting. The cat had not turned up yet. Crookshanks was a good animal, keeping me company and helping me. He had stolen the passwords for the Gryffindor Tower for me. After I had attacked the Fat Lady her portrait had been replaced and the new guard kept changing the passwords everyday. And that gave me an advantage. Someone had written them down. I could get in and get the rat.

I was already hiding inside the castle, in an unused passageway and Crookshanks was supposed to come and find me here. He knew how I smelled as a dog, so that couldn’t be a problem for him. But it was already getting late … And then, after what seemed like an eternity, Crookshanks appeared at the end of the corridor, his tail high in the air, and a piece of parchment in his mouth. The passwords were written on it. I nudged him with my dog nose to say thank you and then I was off.

I knew the way to Gryffindor Tower by heart and a few minutes later I was in front of the portrait. I changed back to my human form. The occupant of the portrait was sleeping, but he woke up when I coughed softly.

“Dear Sir,” the knight said sleepily. “What brings you here to the premises that I protect? If you want to gain entrance into the halls beyond me you will need to pronounce a certain word without which I shall have to drive you away forcefully.” He attempted to draw his sword but failed miserably.

I surpressed a laugh – which would’ve been very inappriopriate at the moment – and read the first word from the parchment, “Rogue Ratter.” The knight shook his head and I tried the next password. “Excalibur.” Wrong again. Who made up these stupid passwords anyway? “Mangy mutt.” He nodded and the portrait opened.

The Common Room was strewn with leftovers of a party that had obviously taken place after winning today’s Quidditch Match against Ravenclaw. Harry had ended the match with an excellent catch – just like James during our school days. But now was not the time to ponder old memories, although they were overwhelming me in this place.


I silently made my way up the stairs to the dormitories. As I opened the door to the third year dormitory I drew a knife which I had brought just in case. The door opened silently. Five beds were in the room.

In the first one I spotted a boy I did not know. I stopped at the second one. It was Harry’s. He was lying peacefully in bed, looking more relaxed than I had ever seen him since last summer. I knew I couldn’t watch over him all night, even though I longed to do so, the rat needed to be found. And then I saw it. Sleeping on the third bed. I raised my knife and slashed the bed hangings to get to it.

Someone started screaming. It was a red haired boy.

“What’s going on?”, a voice to my right said. Harry’s voice. I looked around frantically. There was no use in trying to get the rat now. Everyone was awake. I had to get out of here.

Within seconds I was at the door and slammend it shut after me. The whole Tower was beginning to stir. I crossed the Common Room, nearly tripping over some party decorations. And then I was out of the Tower again, where I immediately changed into my Animagus form and fled.

The rat had slipped through my fingers again.

*snaps fingers in frustration* RATS! *giggle; pun intended* Great post as usual! *luffs Christa for yet another fab post*

Awesome post!! Stupid rat. If only Ronniekins remained silent... *mutters* Although of course, it's not his fault. PAMS!
Amie

Post! Post! Post! I Need More! Please? I Need It!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter Pettigrew. *kills him* Anyway, great snippets as always!

PART THIRTEEN – My best friend

We made our way along the dark and damp tunnel, leading from the Shrieking Shack back to Hogwarts. What a night it had been. So much had happened. I had my best friend back. We had caught the true traitor and were about to turn him in. Everything would be okay now. Everything we had hoped for would come true.

I was chained to Pettigrew and Ron, Hermione was behind us and then came Snape, held in check by Padfoot and Harry brought up the rear. It was strange, walking along the well known tunnel like that.

We came out under the Whomping Willow and the cat pressed the knot so we could get out.

I could see that something had changed. It was in his eyes. I've known him for so long that I can tell. I see the little things.

I’ve always been able to tell how he feels. When we returned to Hogwarts for our fifth year I knew that something must have happened during the holidays. His eyes were dark and haunted. He didn’t say anything, didn’t mentioned it to his best friends. But I knew it. Later I found out that his parents had nearly chucked him out of the house after he had “misbehaved” at a family meeting. I could still feel his emotions.

I saw the hatred when he looked at Wormtail and his love for Harry. I know that he only wants to protect his godson. And I also know that Harry needs him as a father. And now something has changed in his eyes. There was a kind of happiness in them that hadn't been there before. Hope has also appeared in them. Hope for freedom.

As I stood, keeping Wormtail in check with my wand, I saw Padfoot talking to Harry. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but suddenly I saw him smile. Smile like he used to all those years ago. Finally he looked happy - and Harry did too.

But then I could feel it. I turned my head. Silvery light was pouring through a thin cloud, which then shifted away. The full moon was high in the sky. My nightmare began once more and all hope for freedom was destroyed.


----------------


Because this is such a short snippet and because I love you all to pieces I though that I'd post something "special" this time. For part 12 I had originally planned something different, but that didn't work out well at all, so it remained a 150-word-story. But as I don't won't to let it gather dust on my harddrive I want to share this with you.

------------------

Original idea for Part Twelve - Waiting

The sun was starting to set and I was waiting - still waiting. Hadn't I done enough of that already?

I surpressed a sigh. Well, not really, as dogs can't sigh. I knew that the rat was near me, but it was too early to strike. I needed to bring Harry with me to the Shrieking Shack. I need to reveal the truth. Remus had undoubtedly told him the „truth“ - and I had to correct him. Harry had to trust me. After all I am his godfather.

Suddenly I heard someone talking in a low whisper, just at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where I was hiding. I recognized Harry's voice. Then two that I didn't know. A boy and a girl. Suddenly a readhead appeared out of thing air. I squinted and saw that he was following the rat.

The time had finally come.

I got onto my four legs and got ready to pounce.

YAY! I love it!!!!!!! Super post!! .....It ish close to the death time....

Awesome post!! Little Sirikins *sighs and pets him* PAMS!!
Amiekins

Wonderful post!

Yes, it is, Le.

PAMS!

Fab-tastic post! I'm anxiously awaiting more!

W00t!!! New Reader and Padfoot Lover. I just read everything in one sitting and even though I'm tired as heck they kept me awake...I just had to read on. I love every single snippet. *huggles* PAMS!!!

*sniff* *huggles Emma and Christa*

*glomps all readers and reviewers big time and wipes away tear* You're all awesome!

PART FOURTEEN - Dumbledore

I am definitely very nervous. I can't even express it. The last thing I remember is being attacked by Dementors and Harry trying to save me. What has happened to Harry? Is he alright? What about the others? Has Wormtail been caught?

I start pacing in the office. It's Flitwick's. I have been here often enough to recognize it. Suddenly the door opens and Dumbledore enters, his wand drawn. He uses it to magically lock the door behind himself. He obviously thinks I'd try to escape. After all it wouldn’t be the first time I escape from somewhere.

As soon as he stands before me I ask my afore mentioned burning questions. Dumbledore holds up a hand to stop me. “Mr Black, I can assure you that young Mr Potter is well, as are the others. As for you ... the Dementors are on the way to administer the Kiss. Although I believe that punishment could be unjust. From what I have gathered so far, quite a lot has happened this night. Please explain.“ He sits down.

“I was not the Secret Keeper,“ I start to explain. “The rat was.“

Dumbledore nods. Maybe he believes me. So I continue the story. I just tell him what’s important, the details would take too much time.

After my tale Dumbledore looks at me and nods again. “I do believe you, Mr Black, but I’m afraid that I won’t be able to convince the Minister to believe you, too. He is a very stubborn man and he will not risk his status to free an innocent man.”

I start to protest. No, it can’t be. Dumbledore has to know a way to free me of this. He knows everything. I can’t escape again. I haven’t enough willpower left. The thought of seeing the Dementors again almost makes me sick and knowing that nobody will believe me … except Harry, his friends, Remus and Dumbledore. But then Dumbledore interrupts my protest.

“I will send Harry to you soon and I’m sure that he will help you leave this castle. I can feel that you and he have already bonded again and it’s good to see family being reunited.”

Dumbledore turns around and leaves before I have the chance to say something, let alone thank him. I am alone again and sit down on the desk to wait. He said that Harry would come soon. I close my eyes and rub my forehead. Everything went terribly wrong that night. Wormtail wasn’t supposed to escape, the Dementors weren’t supposed to come and the full moon wasn’t allowed to shine that night.

Lost in my thoughts I don’t hear the tapping at first. But then I look up and my gaze wanders to the window. I gasp. Harry and his friend are in front of the window, riding a magnificent Hippogriff.

I get up and hurry to the window, which they open. There’s just enough space on the Hippogriff for the three of us. We glide over the castle and I start laughing joyfully. I’m free again. I am escaping. Maybe everything turns out alright after all.

-glances around- am I the first to comment?...ah well That was great! Sirius is free...and still not dead...keep up the great work. -Megzy

Yay! *flapps arms and jumps out window.... and plummets*

*gets back up and runs back up to room*

Phew! I am certainly NOT a Hippogriff!!!

But that ficlett rox! *still huggles Christa for creating this idea*

Yay for Dumbledore! And yay for Sirikins for escaping! I'm proud of him. PAMS!
Amie

Thank you a lottttt I love these wonderulf comments.
*huggles you back* You're definitely my most regular reader - and I love you for that!
A great thank you also goes to you!

I'm sorry that I'm not posting the next part today, but I'm having some difficulty, but I promise I'll try to write it till tomorrow!

~* Christa *~

PART FIFTEEN - Somewhere sunny

The sun was glittering on the endless blue water of the ocean, while the soft wind rustled the leafs of the palm trees behind him. The sand of the beach was soft beneath his naked toes, as he walked slowly along the shoreline.

It was amazing that only a year ago he had been in a dark and grim place on a different island, far far away from here, and just as lonely. But that was history. Everything had changed since then. He had his most important family member back - Harry. He believed him, that was everything that mattered. And Remus; they were friends again. The memories of the dark years still haunted him at night, but the dreams started to dissolve as soon as he woke up in the mornings.

Finally he reached the small hut where he stayed. Buckbeak the Hippogriff was waiting beside the door. “You know perfectly well that you can't come in,“ he said to the hippogriff. “There's just not enough space in there. You can fly and catch some birds for dinner, if you want to. And while you’re gone I can light the fire, agreed?“ The Hippgriff nodded, as though he had understodd what Sirius had said to him, spread his wings wide and took off.

Once inside the hut he quickly found a blank piece of parchment, ink and a quill. He sat down on the stairs in front of the hut and began writing.

Dear Harry,

I do hope you’re well. Buckbeak and I are fine. He really enjoys the sun and the warmth – and of course I do, too.

Again I can’t even begin to express how much I would like to thank you. Not only for freeing me, but mainly for believing me. I know it must have been hard to realise the truth, when you have firmly believed a lie before. But I’d better not elaborate on the subject, as I’m sure I’d start rambling soon.

You don’t have to worry about Buckbeak and me being seen by any wizards or muggles. We have found a very nice place to stay and we can relax peacefully. The only problem here is catching our dinner. The other day I went fishing, but a fish tore off with my fishing rod, so I had to catch the fish with my hands. You can’t imagine how fast they can move.

I am sorry that I have to keep this letter so short, but I have to end it here, because Buckbeak will soon be back with my dinner and I still have to go and find the bird to send this letter.

If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to write. I’ll be more than glad to help you.

Sirius

He read through the letter again, and although he wasn’t entirely happy with the way it had turned out, he stuck it into an envelope and wrote Harry’s name on it.

Buckbeak was nowhere in sight yet. He got up, brushed the sand from his trousers and looked around in search for the bird to deliver his letter. Just the other day he had discovered that it would deliver letters like an owl. The bird had turned up at the hut and watched him writing a letter to Harry, which had never been sent, and it had seemed disappointed when Sirius hadn’t handed him the parchement. The bird had come back every day since then and Sirius now wanted to give it its first job.

After searching for a while he found it, sitting on a branch of a palm tree, nursing its feathers.

“Hey, you, come down”, he called and the bird looked up instantly. It spread its wings and glided down to land on his shoulder. “Here you go”, Sirius said, binding the letter to its left foot, “Take this to 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. That’s in England.”

The bird looked at him as though it was saying, “Do you think I’m stupid? Of course I know where that is.” Then it spread its wings wide and took off, soaring away into the clear blue sky and soon vanishing from sight.

Quote:

The bird looked at him as though it was saying, “Do you think I’m stupid? Of course I know where that is.”

Funny Sirius. Awesome post, PAMS!
Amie

*waves to the bird as it flies out of site* Ahhh, the beach! PAMS!! *ties napkin around neck and waits for dinner from Buckbeak*

That was awesome! PAMS!!

And here comes the next part. Enjoy!

PART SIXTEEN - The Cave

“Come back! Don’t you dare run off with it!”, someone shouted behind me. I turned my head quickly. The man was waving his wand threatingly at me and started running, but suddenly he tripped and fell down. I would’ve laughed, had I been in human form. Instead I tore down the main street of Hogsmeade, the freshly stolen newspaper held firmly with my teeth.

I only stopped after I had left the town behind me and had reached the security of the forest. I let the newspaper drop to the ground and tried to regain my breath.

Where should I go now? I needed to find a place around here, so I could be close to Harry. I didn’t know if he would really need me, but I had a better feeling when I was close to him. He would surely be a little angry when he found out that I was here, but after the incident with the Goblet of Fire I just had to try and protect him.

And suddenly it hit me: the cave! James, Remus and I had discovered it back in our sixth year, when he had returned to Hogwarts after a rather enjoyable (and forbidden) evening at the Three Broomsticks. Somehow we had managed to get lost in the forest and had stumbled upon it and then even spent the night there. McGonagall gave us two months of detention for it.

I got up again, picked up the paper with my teeth and made my way to the hidden cave. I had to crawl through the forest and then across a field of stones. It was unusually hot for this time of the year and the sun would have burned my skin, had it not been protected by the thick black fur of my Animagus form. The disadvantage of the fur: it was terribly hot.

I was starting to get tired when I finally spotted it. It was just as I remembered. Tiny. Invisible from the outside. Perfect for me.

I clambered through the bushes and transformed inside. Luckily it was cool inside. I would be able to stay here. Buckbeak, who was currently hidden in the forest, would also have enough space.

I dropped the paper onto the floor and went to inspect the cave. Buckbeak could hide in the back, where nobody who came by would ever spot him and I could “live” in the front. I needed to see if someone came towards us.

Buckbeak was already waiting for me, when I returned to him an hour later. “Hello, my friend”, I said to him before going over to pet him. By now he trusted me so much that I didn’t need to bow in front of him anymore. After all we’d been fugitives together for many months. He closed his eyes like a dog that’s being petted. I took the rope around his neck and led him back to the cave. It was difficult bringing him through the narrow entrance, but somehow we managed it. When he was finally inside, he first looked at his surroundings and then at me, as though he were saying, “I like it here. We can stay if you like.”

I smiled. Finally I could fulfill my duty as godfather

Two months of detention?! Wow. PAMS!!
Amie

yay -heh I missed reading the most recent two since i was working on my FF- -shnuggles the big black puppy- I luffs him BWAHAHA PAMS!!! More More More -stares at you zombielike- *drooleyetwitch*

Please write soon it's a wonderful story. I love Sirius
hence the name Blackpheonix2212