For Remus
Theme 13: Flagrate


James's wand spun, pointing north.

"We're going in the right direction," he confirmed, his voice barely audible. When no response came, he looked over his shoulder - Sirius had halted, a few steps behind.

"Padfoot?" he asked, concerned.

"Unicorn hair," Sirius said quietly. He straightened, his eyes fixed on the long, silver, thread-like something in his hand.

Peter squealed, which act earned him a glare from Sirius.

"I told you," James said, relieved.

"Can we go back, now?" Peter asked, unable to hide the hope in his tones. "Isn't this what you needed?"

"It's not enough," James said, as Sirius handed him the single, sparkling hair. "We need more for the potion." He turned to Sirius, sudden anxiety in his eyes. "I've never been further into the forest. I can't lead us back if we go on."

"Me neither," Sirius said.

"Let's go back," Pete whimpered, tugging at Sirius's sleeve.

James bit his lip. "We have to try. For Remus. Flagrate."

A fiery X shaped itself in midair, before emblazoning itself into the nearest tree: He was marking the path they were taking, now.

- He only hoped the marks lasted long enough.