Hi. I'm a new reader and i've just read the last 16 parts in one go. Great fanfic. very original. I love sirius! but then who doesn't?! I hope we get some more chapters soon.

That was excellent! PAMSOID!!!!

PART SEVENTEEN – A visitor

The cold wind was blowing into the cave near Hogsmeade. Padfoot was curled up next to Buckbeak, trying to stay a bit warm. It didn't really work that well. Sometimes he hated being here. Suddenly the dog's good hearing picked up footsteps coming toward the cave. It sniffed the air, but with all the wind it was impossible to say who was coming, so it got up onto all four legs and trotted towards the opening of the cave.

A figure in a black cloak was struggling up the mountain towards the cave, the head ducked against the icy wind. The person looked up and Padfoot recognized the green eyes behind the round glasses. He stood back to let Harry into the cave and transformed back into Sirius Black.

Harry entered the cave and shook the snow out of his hair, then looked at his godfather, who had changed quite a lot since their last meeting. His hair was again growing out and a beard was announcing itself on his face. Luckily he had found (or stolen) new robes somewhere and was no longer wearing his old Azkaban cloak. Harry was only worried because his godfather’s face seemed to have thinned out since his last visit with Ron and Hermione.

“Hi,“ Harry said, a little breathlessly. “I ...“ But before he could say more Sirius had already crossed over to him and put his arms around him.”I've brought you some chicken,“ Harry murmered against Sirius' shoulder. “I thought that I’d bring it to you and then …” He trailed off, unsure of what to say. Although Sirius had been his godfather for his whole life, they had only just met a few months ago and hadn’t yet spent a lot of time together. Ron and Hermione had always been there, and so talking had somehow seemed easier. Thoug this morning Hermione had been in the library looking up the history of house-elves in an ancient book and Ron had still been in bed, so Harry had grabbed his Invisibility Cloak, snuck down into the kitchen to get some food and had then used an old passageway out of the school.

“Thank you”, Sirius said, releasing him. Harry gave him the package and Sirius sat down on the floor of the cave. “How did you know that chicken’s one of my favourites?”, he asked, looking up at Harry, who only shrugged.

“You seemed to like it last time”, he answered shortly.

A short silence followed and it was broken by Sirius. “Come on, why don’t you sit down?” Harry hesitated a little, but then did as asked. “So … uhm … how’s it going at school?” Well, that’s a stupid question, a little voice inside his head said. What do you think how it’s going?

“It’s fine”, Harry said, but Sirius knew that there was more to it. The tone of Harry’s voice was very similar to James’ when he had been lying. Sirius shot him a look and Harry knew that his lie had been discovered. “Well, it could be worse. The Yule Ball’s coming up and … and I … I really like this girl and …”

“… and you don’t know how to ask her out?”, Sirius finished for him and Harry nodded. “Must run in the family.” When Harry seemed a little confused he continued, “I remember when your dad had his first crush on your mum. He always asked her to go out with him when we were on the way to classes, in the Great Hall or in the full Common Room. He just shouted it out to her and she was always completely embarrassed. It was almost scary how these two behaved.”

Harry smiled. It was good to hear about his parents from someone who knew them so well and not only Snape insulting his father. “What do you think I should say to her?”

His godfather thought about this for a moment. “The truth, I think. Tell her that you like her and that you’d love to go to the ball with her.”

“I will … thank you.”

“No problem”, Sirius answered and smiled at him. This had been the first time that Harry had asked for advice in something that was completely normal for his age. He obviously started trusting his godfather.


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Amie: Of course they got two months of detention! After all they snuck to Hogsmeade, got drunk and spent the night in a cave.


Padfoot: *joins shnuggling the dog*


blackPheonix2212 : Thank you very much! I'm really glad you enjoy it.


Embem: Welcome as a new reader!


HPlover_09: Here's the new chapter already. I hope you liked it.

That's so sweet! We never see Harry talking to Sirius about girls in the books, so it's nice to see how Harry trusts him so much. aww. come back snuffles....

Yes, I love it! That chapter was awesome! PAMS!

*gasp* I missed two whole chapters while I was away!!! I loved them both! *is hungry for chicken now...*

W00t!!!...I agree with Embem we never see that. -cries- now I want a big fluffy black dog to cuddle and love PAMS!!!

Guys, thank you so much for your nice comments. You all perfectly spotted what I was thinking while writing the last part. I'm sorry that this one took so long. I was away on a holiday for a week and just returned home a few hours ago. Enjoy!

PART EIGHTEEN - Reunion

The black dog reached the edge of the forest and finally the cottage it was looking for came in sight. The house was small, built far away from the next village, so its occupant would always be undisturbed when he needed to. The dog ran up to the front door and began scratching it.

I hope Remus is home today. As nice as this garden is, I'd rather be inside.

Finally the door opened and the aforementioned man opened. For a moment he seemed confused, then he looked down and spotted the dog. “Sirius!“ he exclaimed happily. “What're you doing here?“ Of course the dog didn't answer. “Why don't you come in?“

Inside the dog transformed into Sirius Black. The two friends embraced like brothers. “It's good to see you again, Moony.” He let go of his friend, held him at arm's length and studied him. Remus’ hair had become even greyer than it had been and his clothes had a few more patches. Obviously it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to find work.

“What brings you here, Padfoot?”, Remus asked, while walking down the corridor towards his living room. Sirius followed him, leaving muddy footprints on the clean carpet.

“Dumbledore has sent me. We have to gather the old crowd, because Voldemort is back.” His words didn’t have the effect he had awaited. Remus only nodded gravely and sighed.

“Yes, I knew that already. Dumbledore sent me a letter and explained it, though he didn’t mention that you’d come. Probably wanted it to be a surprise.”

Despite the serious situation Padfoot chuckled a little. “You know what the old man’s like. He enjoys messing with people’s heads.”

The two friends entered the living room and Remus sat down on the worn sofa, motioning for Sirius to do the same. They were quiet for a few minutes, before Remus quietly asked, “How’s Harry coping with it?” He looked sideways at Sirius while waiting for an answer.

“He’s taking it better than I would. He saw one of his friends being killed and he doesn’t seem to worry about the effect it has on him. He’s really a strong one, Moony. But I still wish I could’ve stayed with him longer. I think that soon he’ll realise completely what he has seen and then he’ll need me.”

“Remember that he has his friends to help. I know Ron and Hermione and they’re some of the best friends he could have. They’ll take care of him.”

Sirius sighed. “I hope so. I haven’t been there for him most of his life and now, when he really needs me, I can’t be there either. It’s just so … frustrating. And do you honestly think that Harry’s the kind of person who spills his heart out to everyone? Did he tell you everything that bothered him during your year at Hogwarts?”

Remus slowly shook his head. “No, he didn’t, but back then I was only one of his teachers, not a friend or family like you are for him. Don’t worry about him, he’ll come to you for help sooner or later. And I guess you’ll see him again soon. In his letter Dumbledore said that he wanted to set up a new headquarter and that maybe, just maybe Harry would be able to come and live with us there for the rest of the summer.”

“Really? You mean that?”, Padfoot said, surprise and hope visible on his face. “That would be great. You know, when I first met Harry, I asked if he wanted to live with me and he said yes. But then … you know what happened. He seemed so disappointed and now we can have a new chance as a family.

Awwww! *luffs her Moony* I wuv dose two!!

*sniff* I so wish that they could have been a family!

*luffs on Sirius*

*glomps on Remus*

*huggles on Christa*

Great post yet again!!!
PAMS

Awwww, little Paddy, all happy. pAMS!!!
Amie

awwww -huggles Moony- -le sigh- poor Sirius be's feelign a twinge of guilt -pats Harry-...AWESOME JOB! PAMS!-Megz<3

Another great chapter. Shame Snuffles and Harry never really got a chance to get to know each other properly. I was dissapointed that Lupin didn't really try to make an effort to write to Harry or anything in the 6th book, even if he was busy with the werewolves. They seemed sorta distant...

PART NINETEEN - Christmas

I sit alone in the dark and gloomy kitchen, an empty cup of tea on the table in front of me, staring off into space. It's already very late and maybe I’d better go to bed, but I don't care. It'll be Christmas soon and I'll spend it alone again. Like I have for the past fourteen years.

I pick up my fork again and try to eat something. No luck. Leaning back in my chair my thoughts drift to Hogwarts. I would give anything to be there right now. Not only because I've always loved Christmas at Hogwarts, but also because Harry's there. Harry, who is like a son for me. Harry, whom I love more than anyone else in this world.

“Kreacher!“, I shout. “Kreacher! Where are you?“ He doesn't answer me. He's probably looking for my mum's old knickers - again. I would even prefer his company to this loneliness. I've had so much loneliness in my life already. I can't stand it anymore.

What have you, my good friends, deserved at the hands of fortune, that she send you to prison hither? I blink in surprise. I don’t know how that suddenly came to my head. I read that play so many years ago and didn’t even know that I still remember it.

Denmark’s a prison. No, Hamlet, not Denmark, this house is a prison. A very lonely prison for me. At times I wonder if it’s any better than Azkaban. It’s dark, gloomy and damp.

Then is the world one.

A goodly one; in which there are many confines, wards and dungeons, Denmark being one o’ the worst. For me everything is like a prison these days. This house, every day, even my life seems like one sometimes. If it isn’t a prison, why can’t I be with my family today? My life is a prison and Dumbledore is the prison guard.

We think not so, my Lord. No? The world has gone good and everyone is free to do what they please?

O God, I could be bounded in a nut shell and count myself a king of infinite space. A nutshell wouldn’t do for me, but I was so much happier just half a year ago, in Remus’ little house, where we could just sit and talk about memories I didn’t know I still had. My good memories are my nutshell, and when I have them, when I can loose myself in them, there couldn’t be a happier man on earth.

Suddenly my thoughts are interrupted. I hear someone cough. I look up. Phineas Nigellus is standing in a portrait, looking like he'd rather be anywhere but here. Maybe we have something in common after all. “I've got a message from Dumbledore,“ he says in a drawling voice. “Arthur Weasley is injured, wife and children and Harry Potter coming to the house soon.“

Although I'm terribly sorry that Arthur has been injured I haven't heard such a good message in ages. My family is coming home for Christmas.


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Thank you for your wonderful comments *luffs on all her lovely readers*


Embem: I agree with you - Remus should have contacted Harry, after all he's now the only Marauder left and Harry's link to his parents' past.

Awwwwwwwww!!!! *luffs Sirius* *luffs Shakespeare* *steals some of Sirius' meal* *chews*

Great post!!

Aww, Sirikins... that made me so sad... PAMS!
Amie

Ack I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to check up on all the lovely fanfics!...hmm I really liked this one...I've never heard of that play though...heh I was wondering what time peroid we were at until the last part...Phineas is awesoem I dunno why vut I really like him lol-PAMS-Megzy<3

Thanks for reading and commenting. *hugs*

The quotes are taken from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

And now, without any more delay I present ...

PART TWENTY - Home

I saw him stumbling through, looking as confused as everyone does. Not yet believing what happened. I’m sure he also knew the importance of what had just transpired, but didn’t want to accept it yet

He looked very different than he does in my memory. I remember Padfoot’s face full of laughter, always a smile playing around his lips, mischief glinting in his eyes. I almost didn’t recognize him now, he’s changed so much. But of course I knew what had happened to him, so I wasn’t surprised. I’ve always watched from above, we both have.

“Harry!” he shouted desperately. “Harry!”

“It’s no use,” I said to him. He spun round and faced me. Surprise was etched into his features. I don’t blame him, I’d be surprised too.

“Prongs?” he asked in disbelief. “What … what are you … you’re dead!”

I nodded solemnly. “I know.” I didn’t say more. He had to figure it out himself. I don’t know why – I didn’t make that rule.

“So … am I dead, too?” he asked carefully. By that time I could see that he already knew it, but he was still in denial. I nodded solemnly. “No! No, it can’t be … they still need me … Harry needs me. I can’t be dead, please tell me you’re joking.”

“Why would you be here with me, if you were not dead?”

“I … I don’t know … maybe I’m dreaming, or … or Kreacher has poisoned my food and I’m in a coma or having halluzinations, or maybe I hit my head down in the kitchen when I was looking for a drink earlier … or …” He seemed to be out of breath already. And he was still denying it. Although deep down he knew it was true.

A heavy silence lay between us, but suddenly it was broken by someone screaming. “Get him, save him, he’s only just gone through!”

Of course I knew that voice. I had heard it often enough to recognize it anywhere. After all I’d been watching over him all the time. It was Harry, screaming for Sirius to come back. But there was no coming back.

“Harry …” Sirius murmered and started to turn. I stepped forward, blocking his path.

“You can’t go back, and you know it, Padfoot.”

He lowered his head and I think that he was about to start crying. But of course I couldn’t be sure. “Prongs, you have to understand … Harry’s my family, all I have. Wouldn’t you want to be with him, too?”

I put a hand on his shoulder. “I understand perfectly, Padfoot. Do you think that I never wished I could be there for him? All the times the Dursleys neglected him, everytime he was alone? Do you think that I never pleaded to be released? I did, Padfoot, I did. Everyday I prayed to whoever would listen to me, but it was no use. Once you are dead there’s no going back. Never.”

He didn’t answer for a while. He just stood there in front of me, looking sadder than I’ve ever seen. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he heaved a great sigh and looked back at me. Tears were threatening to run down his cheeks.

“I know it’s no use, Prongs. But I don’t want to give up.”

I finally put an arm around him, similar to how I did when he ran away from home and turned up on my doorstep, completely down and distraught. “Come on, we have to go. Lily’s waiting for us. Oh, I was told to welcome you … welcome home, Padfoot."

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*sniff* That's it, the last part. No more snippets left to post. *gets out tissue* Writing for you was really great, thank you for the wonderful time. I really enjoyed it.

But (a great but is on the way) if you're really nice I might continue writing some more snippets, although they would obviously happen sometime between the already finished ones. So keep an eye out.

It's Jamie! Yay! But I can't believe it's over, omg. I loved this fic so much. Please do more snippets!! On anyone! PLEASE!!!
Amie

aww cute. please write more!

-sits on floor like little kid and pouts- SIRIUS IS NOT DEAD!!! -throws a three year old tanturm- ....nooo there HAS to be more there just HAS to be -shakes- more more more!!!...eheh sorry -dusts you off-...erm...please?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! Not the end!!!!!!!

dude youre awesome, i really like these, ive read them ALL in one strike. so great... cant wait for more.

if you need ideas, maybe you could make a christmas before james and lily died with harry in it, and remus peter and them all? just an idea...

:-)

I can't believe it's over! Poor Sirius! It was a brilliant ending though. Anyway, your writing is amazing; I think it would be awesome if you did snippets on Remus.

Noooo you're not allowed to stop -pokes repeatedly- I won't let you -staples to thread-

You're really good. I'm crying! Poor Sirius! Poor, poor Sirius.