He always forgot how dingy the place the Order set up for Wormtail was. It reminded him of the Shrieking Shack. It was at the end of a street in some random muggle village. On the outside it appeared abandoned, boarded up and shattered windows, overgrown grass covered the front lawn. Broken beer glasses and buds of cigarettes scattered across the walkway towards the door. That part was more Sirius’ doing, he would always end up here after a fight with Remus to blow off some steam with Wormtail. He usually went to James, but ever since Harry was born, he couldn’t fuck around with his best friend anymore. They weren’t kids anymore and they had real responsibilities now.
Sirius had been coming over to Pete’s a lot more frequently lately, he and Remus had been fighting and were taking a small break from each other. Half because they were both getting increasingly paranoid about one another's stance in this war, and also because Dumbledore sent Remus undercover again, Merlin knows where to investigate a werewolf pack. Sirius missed having his Moony around, but he didn’t dare admit that. He was as stubborn as they come, one trait he was practically born with as a Black.
He was furious at what Remus had accused him of, but he was even more upset for what he said to Remus. Sirius had come to terms that they were both just frustrated about the war, and he was ready to make amends. He’s been waiting for Remus to come back to apologise, but it’s been nearly two months since he left, and the frustration had returned after the death of the Prewett Twins a few weeks ago. So Sirius went to Pete’s a few nights a week to drink his thoughts away.
It felt like old times hanging out with Pete, he still had the same twinge of innocence he had while they were in school. Of course the war had roughened him up, just like it did for all of them, but he was always skittish about any real work The Order gave him. Just like how he was back at Hogwarts, never wanting to do the more thrilling pranks.
Pete’s humble abode had a charm cast over it, so that only a select few were able to enter it. A lot of the other Order members were also doing this as well. Times were getting increasingly more dangerous, the resistance was getting picked off one by one. It’s been different ever since Marlene and her family were murdered by Death Eaters.
Sirius was one of the few people able to enter his home, not that he had many visitors prior. Sirius made his way down the path that led to Peter’s front door, and immediately opened the door. He was never one to knock. However, Pete usually kept the door locked if he wasn’t expecting company. Sirius didn’t think too much of it, he’s been over frequently the past few weeks.
The inside of the house was nothing too special, it was everything you would expect a 21 year old’s house to look like, a kitchen sparsely scattered with food and snacks laid out. A living room with a telly and leather couch. All the walls were adorned with random decor, random Gryfindor memorabilia there, half naked posters of muggle women there; it kind of reminded him of what he would put up in his childhood bedroom to piss off his mother. It was really everything Pete needed. It was a standard cottage, nothing too poor of taste. Pete, the mummy’s boy that he was, asked if he could relocate, fearing to put his mother into any immediate danger. Which was fair enough.
“Pete?’’Sirius yelled, “I brought a few pints. We can pop on that muggle movie Lily was telling us about, the one with the wolf in London!”
Sirius set down the pack of beers he brought over and removed his leather jacket. He went to the kitchen and stole a bag of crips off the counter.
“Wormtail!”
He sat on the couch and turned on the television, it played some horror marathon for Halloween. Sirius was always fascinated by muggle things, especially the little magic boxes they call televisions. It had been about 10 minutes since Sirius arrived at the cottage, and Pete still hadn’t come out to greet him.
“Pete, where the hell are you?”
Sirius rose off the couch and went to Pete’s bedroom. Fearing for the worse, he grabbed his wand just in case. He slowly made his way down the hallway, Pete’s door was slightly ajar, his table lamp from his bedroom illuminated the hallway, as Sirius inched his way closer. Sirius quickly opened the door and cast his wand up. He positioned himself in his duelling stance. However there was no one there. Pete’s bed was lazily made and looks like it hasn’t been touched in hours. His wand that always stayed on his right nightstand was missing and his jacket he kept on his armchair was still draped upon it.
Sirius knew something was not right. It was like a second sense. He hadn’t felt this aching feeling since he found out about Regulus’ death.
James, he immediately thought.
A deep pit formed in his chest, it was like instinct when he sprinted out of Pete's room and grabbed his jacket and went out the door.
When he arrived in Godrick’s Hollow, the pit in his chest fell into his stomach.Something was wrong, he felt it inside him. Second by second he felt like half of his soul was being twisted and torn. He felt hot. He didn’t want to think about it, but he felt it. Was he too late?
The street was eerily silent and barren, it was not the usual festive atmosphere that Sirius came to know all those years ago. There was no sight of people celebrating the holiday, not even a peep of laughing children in their costumes rushing to get candy. No, there was not a soul to be found, and Sirius feared this was an omen.
Sirius parked his motorbike on the main road and began to walk until he reached the Potter’s cottage on the intersecting street. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the main gate was open and the front door was broken in. He was frozen in his place. He knew once he took his next steps, everything would change. He knew he would have officially lost everything.
Sirius remembered when James and Lily first moved in. They were ecstatic to finally start their lives together, and they did not want to waste any more time. They officially settled in a few weeks after their wedding. He remembered how guilty James felt for leaving home. His parents got sick shortly after, and he always believed he would have catched it if he just stayed home another week. He was always jealous of James in that aspect, he was fiercely protective of the ones he loved. Sirius always went too far with the way he expressed his loyalty. I guess he felt he was too passionate. It had been an issue he had since ever finding his true family within his fellow marauders on the train when he was 12.
Sirius was scared, he did want to admit that to himself, but he was slowly transforming into a little boy. Oh how he wished he could hide under his bed and it could all be okay in the morning. This was a nightmare and he was fighting with his subconscious to wake up. He knew he had to go inside, see it for himself, see that one of his greatest fears had come to life. He was yelling in his head to move, to pick up his legs and walk into the house. He just couldn’t, his mind was racing. He was imagining Lily and James somewhere in that house, somewhere not laughing, somewhere not dancing, somewhere not bantering. They were in that house dead, but he feared even greatly if he would walk in and Harry would be gone as well.
Mustering as much strength as he could, he reached the front door. His hand was shaky when he pushed the door open. He became nauseous at the sight of the foyer. The mirror that Mia and Fleamont gave as a housewarming present was shattered beyond recognition. There was debris everywhere as if whoever was here was looking for something. When he entered the threshold, the floorboards creaked. James was supposed to fix that a few weeks ago. Lily always complained it woke Harry up from his naps when someone came to visit.
“James,” his voice was hoarse, “Lily?”
There was no response, and he could faintly hear the cries of a baby. His mind was eased ever so slightly. They didn’t answer because Harry was crying, everything was fine he thought.
He hesitantly moved to go up the stairs, he walked up two steps and that’s when he saw him. The light from the window at the top of the steps produced a spotlight on the horror scene that unfolded in front of Sirius. James’s Potter was dead. He wasn’t moving. He was simply just there.
“Prongs,” he whispered. As if James could hear him.
Tears were starting to form in Sirius’ eyes, he slowly walked up until he reached James’ body. He stood over him, not knowing what to do. He stared at James face, his eyes were still open, it looked like he expected it. They still had that mischievous glare etched upon them. His glasses were to the side of him broken. One of the frames was shattered, they must have fallen off when he…
Sirius was sick to his stomach, he just sat there next to his best friend, his brother. He was still in his pyjamas, it looked like the matching ones Mia got for James and him for Christmas in seventh year. He started to break down, he didn’t want to believe he lost another brother.
Sirius examined James, as if he was critiquing him. He never saw James without that damn smile on his face. Lily always called it the Potter grin, something she pretended she was repulsed by all those years. For a split moment he thought of Lily. He felt sick at the thought of what he was going to find next. His vision was beginning to get blurry. The tears in his eyes were cascading down his face. Sirius rarely cried, fearing he would look weak. Fearing he would be perceived for what he truly was.
Sirius sat on his knees like a child, hoping, no praying that James was simply just sleeping. His hand grasped James as he sobbed over him. The cries of both Sirius and Harry faint ones made the most perfect harmony. Sirius laid his head on his brother's chest and tried to imagine that his heart was still beating. He waited and it never came. Sirius peeked his head up and found James lifelessly staring at him. It sent shivers down Sirius’ spine. He carefully closed James' eyes. It made his death final in a sense, or that’s how Sirius saw it. Sirius continued to gaze over James’ body as if it was the last time he would ever see his best friend. He carefully looked him over and then realised one thing. He didn’t see James’ wand. It wasn’t in his hand. It wasn’t in his pocket. It wasn’t anywhere. Sirius let out a choked sob.
“Why didn’t you bring your wand?” Sirius yelled. “Why didn’t you, you fool!”
Sirius was inconceivable. James Potter always the hero. His anguish quickly transformed into anger. If James brought his wand he would still be here, he thought. He would be alive, and Sirius wouldn’t be alone. James always got ahead of himself, he knew the risks. He knew.
Sirius laid his head on James’ chest. Silently sobbing, the pit in stomach now fully consumed his whole being. A part of his soul, his second half was ripped away from him. All he could do was sit there and sob. He felt like a coward, he thought it would be saving them by switching the secret keeper to Pete. It was his fault. James was dead. All because of Sirius.
He wanted to know so badly what happened. He wanted…no he needed answers. Where was Peter? Was he dead too? How did Voldemort find the house? A thousand different scenarios flooded Sirius’ mind. He was snapped out of it when a loud shriek echoed throughout the house.
“Harry,” he said as if James was listening.
In his moment of weakness, Sirius forgot what James died for. He needed to get up. Why couldn’t he just get up. He wanted to just lay there with James, he wanted to die with him. He knew that was a terrible thought, but he didn’t know what he would do without him. Sirius owed James his life, in every aspect. He was the first person to show Sirius what a real family was. They were brothers not bound by blood, but by choice. Sirius knew he had to go on. He knows James is probably looking down at him right now. Probably telling him to get up and to stop being a tosser. Sirius laughed for a moment. He was going to miss his best friend. But he needed to get to Harry. He knew once he moved that meant he was saying goodbye. He laid his head on James once more and gave his brother a hug. He silently shed his final tears into James’ shirt.
“I love you, Prongs,” he said half broken, “I’ll make sure Harry is safe, I promise you that.”
Sirius rose from the ground like a fawn taking their first steps. He took one last look at James and began his trek to find his godson. The hallway leading to Harry’s nursery was completely ransacked. Debris covered the floor and each step Sirius took there was some crunch of glass that was shattered into a million more tiny pieces. The corridor was dark, and the only light came from an open door at the end of the hall. Harry’s room.
The portraits on the wall were taunting Sirius as he made his way to Harry’s Nursery. Each picture was moving in a perfect symphony, memories from the past few years where everyone was happy. It made Sirius sick to his stomach. So much can change in such little time.
One picture was from a holiday they all took back in seventh year. James was grinning ear to ear wrapping his arm around Lily, and Sirius could just hear her laugh booming through the picture. Sirius's eyes darted to himself, his head was tilted back in some grandiose manner. He then saw Remus whispering something in his ear. Sirius couldn’t remember what he said to him. It was probably some god awful joke that probably was not even funny. Pete was in the back of them, smiling, pointing at whoever was taking the picture. It was probably Mary, she was smart to leave. Smarter than the rest of us who chose to stay and fight.
The next picture was a photo from James and Lily’s wedding. They had gotten married a few months after leaving school. It was one of the few times Sirius saw James’ cry. Sirius was just happy for once it wasn’t over Lily rejecting him. The picture was taken when the two were having their first dance. They were both looking at each other as if they were the only two people on the planet. They always did.
The last picture was from the day Harry was born. Lily was sitting up in her bed and James was standing at her side. They were both looking down at little Harry with awe in their eyes. He was their whole world. Sirius took that picture, it was a beautiful day. Sirius bowed his head down. He couldn’t look no longer. Not when James just wasn’t here anymore. The sounds of Harry’s cries turned into wails, Sirius picked up his pace and ran to the room at the end of the corridor.
The door to the nursery was busted open. He reached the threshold and there she was. Lily was one of Sirius’ dearest friends. Whether he wanted to admit it or not. The sight of Lily’s body on the floor did not devastate him. No, it made him sick. Her body was laying in a way that did not look human. Her long ginger hair only covered one half of her face. Her eyes, just like James were open. Her piercing green eyes had a sense of fury to them. Her last dying breath was not peaceful, however he didn’t want to picture what unfolded in this room. He did not want to think of Lily being murdered. He kneeled in front of Lily and gently pushed her hair off her face. He stared at her face solemnly. He cupped her eyes and closed them shut. He sat next to her for a second, but Sirius had no time to mourn his fallen friend. He turned his gaze to the crib in the centre of the room. There he was. Harry was staring at him, And he was safe and sound.
Harry’s cheeks were a bright shade of red that his dried tears had taken refuge on. His eyes, the purest of green glistened as he stared up at Sirius. Harry’s state of distress eased ever so slightly. His unruly brown curls were so similar to James. Sirius choked out a sob again. Harry looked at him, his eyes peaked with interest. He lifted his arms up, gesturing for Sirius to pick him up.
Sirius got off the ground and went to take Harry out of his crib. Harry laid his head on Sirius' shoulder. They both took the deepest breath as they held each other. Sirius no longer had any tears left to shed. Not all was lost. Harry was here, he was alive. James and Lily would not die in vain. Harry’s grip on Sirius’ shirt was strong. Sirius can’t even imagine what Harry had seen. He gently moved Harry off his shirt so he was able to take a good look at him.
Harry looked up at Sirius with sad eyes, he wasn’t able to speak quite yet but those eyes. They spoke a thousand words. Sirius brushed Harry’s hair back and that’s when he saw it. A scare, the size of a lightning bolt that now resided in the middle of his forehead.
“What happened Harry,” Sirius whispered.
Sirius brushed his hand over the scare, lightly grazing it with his fingertips. It was warm to the touch and Harry flinched as Sirius tore his hand away.
“It's okay, Harry,” Sirius said. “ I'm here uncle Pads is here. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
Sirius knew he had to get Harry out of here. He just didn’t know where to go. He grabbed the nearest blanket and wrapped it around Harry. He took one last look at Lily before he left.
“I will make sure he’s safe, Lils, I swear on my life.”
He clutched Harry to his chest and shielded his eyes from the bodies of his parents. Sirius slowly stepped over the body of James and tears started to stream down his face again. He looked at him for what he knew was for the last time.
“I got him James, We’re gonna be okay, " Sirius said, “We’ll have each other.”
Sirius rushed down the stairs and made it out the front door and saw someone he was not expecting.
“Hagrid.”
Rubeus Hagrid was a dear old friend to the marauders back when they were in Hogwarts. Their friendship continued once they all joined The Order.
“Do yer know what’s happened' here, Sirius?" He practically spat out at Sirius. “Dumbledore sent me out to get little Harry, guess you beat me to it.”
“They’re gone, Hargid.”
“Who’s gone?”
“James, Lily, they’re dead.”
Hagrid’s face twisted into a solemn expression.
“I’m sorry Sirius, they were one of the good ones.”
“Yeah..they were.”
“Look, Sirius you’re in no good shape right now, let me take Harry and we could figure this all out with Dumbledore.”
Sirius tightened his grip on Harry defensively.
“No, I’m taking Harry, he’s my responsibility now.”
“I understand, Sirius I really do, but I am on strict orders from Dumbledore.”
“Fuck Dumbledore, he has no stake in this, I am Harry’s godfather.”
“Dumbledore made arrangements for Harry to go with Lily’s sister Petunia.”
“Petunia? Lily and her haven’t spoken in years, she was too stuck up to even go to Lily’s wedding.”
“That’s all he told me, he just wants to see that little Harry is safe.”
Srius was now getting angry. Why does Dumbledore want Harry so badly? James and Lily said themselves that if anything happened to them Harry would come stay with me. Dumbledore always has to stick his neck in, just like when he wanted to be James and Lily’s secret keeper.
“Sirius calm yourself, you’re upsetting Harry.”
Harry started fussing at the raised voices of Sirius and Hagrid. Sirius loosened his grip on Harry and stared down at his eyes, Merlin he looked so much like James. He smiled at him and looked back at Hagrid.
“Harry is coming with me.”
“Well where are you taking him?”
“I..” Sirius trailed off.
He hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. Everything was just happening so fast. Where would he take Harry? Sirius’ apartment wasn’t even suited enough for him, let alone a baby. Oh, how he wished Remus was here. The two of them would figure it out together. Remus would know what to do, but he’s gone. Everyone was gone. Except for…Peter. He needed to find Peter.
“Hagrid, if I give him to you have to promise me. Promise me you will look after him.”
Tears started to form in Sirius’ eyes. Hagrid placed his hand on Sirius' shoulder.
“Aye Sirius, I promise.”
“You need to take Harry, and make sure he is safe. You're the only one I can trust Hagrid. Tell Dumbledore. Tell Dumbledore they are dead. Everyone’s gone. Tell him I went to find Peter.”
“Peter?”
“Listen Hagrid, go now. Take my motorbike and go.”
Sirius looked down at Harry and kissed his forehead.
“I love you Harry, I’ll come get you when this is all over with. We’ll be a proper family, I promise.”
He gave Harry one last tight hug and handed him off to Hagrid.
“My motorbike is just down that main road, I’ll find you both after I’m done.”
“Sirius yer be careful, I’ll make sure to tell Dumbledore what yer doin.”
“Thanks Hagrid.”
The three took their leave, both going in two different directions. Sirius had to find Pete and there was only one place he would be .
Sirius apparted on a busy London street. Pete had told him he liked to walk the streets of London when his head was cloudy. Pete had taken Sirius here once after a fight he had with Remus. The two went to a pub that played good music and let them order as many pints as they wanted. Sirius approached the pub door and that’s when he saw him. Peter leaned up against the alleyway wall with not a care in the world. Did he know? He had to. How else would James and Lily be killed?
Sirius ran up to him and pushed him onto the floor.
“Oye, what’s your issue?”
Peter looked up at his assailant and his tough demeanour completely vanished. Sirius' face was full of fury. Peter let out a small squeak, fearing the wraith of a mad Sirius Black. Peter got up off the floor and quickly pulled the sleeve of his shirt down. He put on the biggest smile he could muster and try to welcome Sirius with open arms.
“Sirius! What are you doing here?”
“What am I doing here?”
Sirius punched Peter square in the face. Peter fell to the floor again. He immediately clutched his nose, feeling the blood gush out from where he was hit.
“What was that for?”
“Don’t play dumb, Peter,” Sirius sneered, “You know what you did.”
“ I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING SIRIUS,” Peter bellowed.
“THEY'RE DEAD.”
“Who’s dead, Padfoot.”
Sirius laughed, a laugh that came straight from his belly. He couldn’t believe this. Peter, of all people acting like he hasn’t hurt a fly. Sirius didn’t want to believe it either, but how else would James and Lily be able to be killed? He had their life and in the palms of his hands and he chose to wash himself of it.
“ Don’t call me padfoot, you lost that privilege after what you did. Their blood is on your hands.”
Peter scratched at his forearm, staining his sleeve red as he did so. And that’s when Sirius saw it. There it was on his arm. However it was faded, but there it was clear as day. The dark mark. All the arguments between Sirius and Remus came flooding back to him in an instant. It played like a film, Sirius yelling at Remus how he can’t be trusted. Remus rebutted back that Sirius couldn't be trusted as someone who came from the Black family. Months of pointing fingers and months of petty arguments and the real rat was right under everyone’s nose. Pete’s eyes darted to see what Sirius was staring at and he knew he could no longer play the fool.
“What have you done,” Sirius said in disbelief . “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.”
“ I just don't see how you could understand,” Peter replied.
“I can’t understand, Pete. I would rather die than be one of them.”
“You just don’t see the potential in the greater cause.”
“Do you hear yourself?”
“Loud and clear, not like any of you ever did.”
“How could you Pete, they were our friends” Sirius choked out. “They're dead and it's because of you. Think of Harry; he has to live his life without them. Because of you. You made that choice.”
“Oh, he survived?”
Sirius couldn’t stand to look at him. He wanted to kill him. There was no other solution to the problem at hand. This couldn’t have been the Wormtail he grew up with. It couldn’t be. Sirius just wanted to believe this was all a bad dream. Maybe Peter was just under the imperius curse. But Sirius knew that couldn’t be. Peter did it because he wanted to. He did it of his own accord.
“You don’t care at all do you. You’re a monster. They were your friends.”
“They weren’t my friends were they,” Peter shouted. “None of you were, I was just the lap dog you all used for amusement.”
“That’s not true, that’s not… you were one of us Pete. Always”
“Sirius, we shouldn't both lie,” attempted to joke.
“ I just don’t understand…you working for Voldemort.”
“My Lord Voldemort saw the potential in me, the potential none of you did. He said I'm special.”
“You’re nothing but a coward Pete. You sold out James and Lily for what? Power? Glory? You’re forever going to be known as the man who sold out his friends.”
Sirius just couldn’t stand it anymore.
“You’re the coward Sirius, you were never man enough to join the true cause, " Peter started, “Exactly why your parents didn’t want you anymore.”
Peter smiled knowing he touched a nerve with Sirius. And this is exactly what set him off. That one sentence made him lose all composure. Sirius grabbed Peter by just shirt collar and pushed him against the stone wall. Sirius jabbed his wand straight into Peter’s throat. He thought of it. Just saying the two words and ending it all there. James and Lily would be avenged, and Pete would have paid for what he had done. There was fury in Sirius’ eyes, he wanted so badly to just kill him. But he just couldn’t. And Peter knew that. He smiled at Sirius mockingly.
“You never had it in you, you’re a pussy Sirius.”
“Shut up,” Sirius gritted.
“Then do it, kill me Sirius.”
Sirius's hands started to shake, the grip on his wand was slipping. Peter always knew how to get under Sirius’ skin, after all those years who wouldn’t. Sirius pulled away from Peter. He dropped his wand on the ground. He looked up at Peter with tears in his eyes.
“Shut up,” his voice was broken.
“You’re just mad because you know I’m right.”
“You’re not Peter.”
“I am and that’s exactly why I can do this and you can’t.”
“Wha-”
In a quick movement, Peter whipped his wand out and pointed it at Sirius.
“Crucio”
Sirius dropped to the floor as a flash of red darted to his body. It’s been a long time since Sirius felt the effects of this curse. It felt like his entire body was on fire. Each molecule inside of him was being boiled. He cried out in pain. He had nowhere else to look but Peter’s eyes. It reminded him of how his mother would look down at him when she would inflict this punishment upon him.
He didn’t recognize Peter. The look in his eye reminded him of Bellatrix. Driven by the pain of others. He had a smile on his face as he tortured Sirius. He was enjoying it. Actually enjoying it. Maybe he was one of them. This is what solidified it for him. He no longer knew Peter Pettigrew. He was too far gone.
Sirius screamed out in pain for what it felt like hours. Through the corner of his eyes he saw a few people walk into the alleyway with concerned faces.
“Hey, what are you doing to him!”
Peter snapped his head to a young muggle woman. She had short curly hair and was wearing the latest muggle fashion. Behind her was a group of muggles all peaked with curiosity. All wanting to stop the harm Peter was inflicting on someone they didn’t even know.
“Mind your own business, you little Mudblood.”
“What did you just call her?” Someone from the crowd interjected.
“Probably some dumb thing the kids are saying nowadays.”
Peter lost his focus and Sirius was no longer being subjected to that mental torture. Peter however, turned his attention to the muggles gathered in the alleyway.
“You lot need to learn when to keep your filthy noses out of others business.”
He turned away from Sirius and walked towards the crowd. He looked at each of their faces and flashed them a smile. He raised his wand at them and spoke one word.
“Confringo.”
Sirius was able to feel the heat of the blast even though he was five feet away. With all his power he raised himself up and was horrified by the sight before him. Peter stood before what looked like about 12 people who were burned to a crisp. They were all dead, because of Peter.
“What have you done?” Sirius said.
“I did what had to be done.”
Peter looked over his shoulder when he heard the sound of someone apparting. In a panic he used his wand to slice his finger off. He winced in pain for only a second. He looked at Sirius and shared the one look every marauder knew. Peter had an idea.
He threw his severed finger towards the dead muggles and began his fallen hero monologue.
“How could you Sirius, he was your best friend,” Peter wailed. “ And poor Harry. You’re sick, they were all right about you. Everyone knew you were going to sell out James one of these days.”
Sirius wasn’t able to form a sentence, it all happened too fast. He tried to move forward to stop Pete. To do something, anything. But it was too late.
“They trusted you, and you betrayed them. You’re going to pay Sirius Black.”
Pete raised his wand again and cast another spell.
“Bombarda Maxima”
The side of the alleyway wall was blown into pieces. Sirius was knocked off his feet from the impact of the blow. He hit his head on the concrete floor and blacked out for a split second. He regained consciousness and saw Peter staring down at him.
“Goodbye old friend.”
Peter transformed into his animagus and Sirius watched as the little rat ran away. Sirius laughed to himself. It was fitting wasn’t it. He was a damn rat this whole time. Sirius couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it. He just watched one of his oldest friends kill 12 people. Wormtail! He couldn’t believe it. Peter the murder. Peter the death eater. Peter the marauder.
Sirius picked himself off of the ground. Still laughing, he walked out from the alleyway. Once he walked out he was immediately tackled to the ground. Five aurors had apparated onto the street at some point. Sirius started screaming at them like a mad man. All of what he was saying was inchorrent He was surrounded by a dozen dead muggles. And was screaming off the top of his lungs. He looked guilty as charged. Dozens of muggles gathered around the crime scene and watched in horror at the man before them.
“HE KILLED THEM.PETER KILLED ALL OF THEM. JAMES, LILY, THE MUGGLES ALL OF THEM.”
“He’s lying,” One muggle interjected. We saw what he did. I don’t know how he did it but he caused an explosion.”
“What’s a muggle?” Some said from the crowd.
“I’m not lying,” he shouted. “I’m being framed! He did this Peter did. He left his finger to frame me. Peter is the murderer.”
Sirius was darting his head in all different directions. He noticed the muggle police were coming now driving onto the scene. Still screaming on about Peter and what he had done. He was desperate for someone to hear him. For someone to believe him.
“We need to work fast. Get the muggles out of here,” One auror said.
“Please,” Sirius pleaded,“You have to believe me.”
“Someone shut him up, we don’t need any more commotion,” A second auror said.
One auror released his hold from Sirius and quickly casted the immobulus charm on him. Unable to move, Sirius began to cry. He needed Dumbledore. He needed to explain what happened. Dumbledore would fix this.
“Put the sleeping charm on him.”
“Yes sir.”
Sirius felt the charm take over his body. He forcefully shut his eyes and let the charm take its course. He was at the end’s road. Was it really it for him? He wished Peter just had killed him too. That would have saved him from a lot of trouble. What was going to happen to him now he thought? They think that Sirius killed all those muggles. They think he would be capable of doing something like that. They probably think he was just another mad Black. And they’re probably going to treat me like all the other mad ones in my family. He knew he was going to end up in Azkaban. Maybe he would get to see his darling cousin. Maybe the dementors would just kill him. He knew he wouldn’t last there. He let the darkness consume him, he didn’t want to wake up. He didn’t want to face what was to come.
The next few days went by like a blur. Dumbledore came to visit him in his holding cell. Sirius tried to explain to him what happened but he didn’t believe him. Dumbledore didn’t even tell him anything about Harry. Dumbledore didn’t really talk. The disappointment radiated off of his old headmaster. He knew it was a lost cause.
Sirius even asked for them to do veritaserum on him. But they refused. Sirius knew they didn’t actually care to find out the truth. Voldemort was dead and there was finally peace for the first time in years. He knew he was just the scapegoat.
Sirius was sentenced to life in Azkaban. He laughed when he heard his fate. It probably didn’t help him much. He started to wonder if everyone was just betting on this outcome. Waiting for Sirius Black to finally live up to the name of the Noble House of Black. He wondered what his mother thought. Oh how he wished to see her face when she saw her only surviving son’s mugshot in the Daily Prophet. She probably smiled. She probably put it in a frame. Maybe she was proud of him, he thought. Finally did something gallant for the cause.
Azkaban was cold. Sirius never liked the cold, and he got cold very easily. The dementors didn’t help much either. He was forced to wear this tattered grey and white uniform. He was given solitary confinement.The first few nights he just laid on his cot. He found solace in the waves crashing against the impenetrable prison. It drowned out the screams of all the other forgotten souls that are forced to reside in the hell hole.
Sirius thought a lot in his time in his cell. He started transforming into Padfoot to pass time. He thought of times when he and James would help Remus during his transformations. Remus. He thought a lot about how Remus felt about all this. He cried knowing that Remus felt the same way as him. Alone. Remus had nobody. He had his parents, but Remus always felt like a burden to anyone who loved him. Sirius related to Remus in that way, maybe that’s why they got along so well. Two outcasts who found comfort in one another. Sirius wanted to tell Remus so desperately about what really happened. He couldn’t stomach even thinking about Moony’s reaction to this situation. Sirius sometimes felt that maybe Remus would have blamed himself. Blamed himself for not being there and being able to stop it. But even Sirius knows, nobody would have been able to stop it.
Sirius also thought about Harry. He wondered if he was happy with Lily’s sister. Lily always said that Petunia didn’t respect the likes of wizard kind. He hoped he was okay. He tried to remember the good times. He thought about Harry’s first birthday. Sirius had gifted him his first broom. James and Sirius’ talked about teaching him quidditch early, so he would be Gryffindor captain by the time he was in his fourth year.
Sirius grew restless as the years went by. He was going mad he was sure of it. There was no way he could stay in this prison any longer. He missed Remus, he missed Harry, he missed James. He tried as hard as he could to stay positive. But he was losing hope.
Peter Pettigrew became a frequent visitor in the mind of Sirius. He remembered Halloween night as clear as day. He was fixated on vengeance. He wanted him to pay for what he did. He knew he was out there. The little rat he was, he was probably living just fine. While Sirius was here in misery.Sirius did know one thing. He knew he was going to get out of Azkaban. And he was going to find Peter Pettigrew.