Through The Fire

The Escape Of Sirius Black

Harry took a bite of his toast, his eyes lingering on Remus. The werewolf looked agitated and his hands were trembling slightly. Harry had been patiently waiting for Remus to speak, but so far he'd not said a word aside from a stiff good morning.

Remus wasn't exactly a morning person, but he was generally much more cheerful with Harry. His obvious anxiety was making Harry extremely nervous. Dobby, who was now happily working for them, kept eyeing Remus worriedly as he poured cups of tea.

Just as Harry opened his mouth to speak, Minnie stepped through the floo. Her face was tense and worried. She walked into the dining room and seated herself in one of the chairs.

"Well?" Remus prompted, clenching his hands together to stop their shaking.

"The rumors are true," she said gravely. "Remus-"

"I need a moment," Remus said abruptly, cutting her off. He got up and left the room in a rush, his expression anguished.

"What's happened?" Harry asked anxiously.

"Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban," Minerva responded, looking back at Harry. "There's some concern that he'll come looking for you... To finish the job," she added quietly. "But you're well protected Harry."

Harry nodded, swallowing around the lump in his throat. "Is Moony alright?" he asked.

"Remus is taking this very hard," Minerva admitted. "He's worried about you. But he was also very close to Black. This is incredibly painful for him."

"At least he won't be alone this year," Harry noted. He'd been delighted when he was told that Remus had been asked to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Remus was a wonderful teacher and it would be great to have him so close.

"I agree," Minerva nodded. "Though, being at the school may bring back a lot of memories. We'll just have to be loving and supportive."

Harry was glad to do that. He'd been raised by Moony and shown what unconditional love was like. He'd do anything to make Moony happy.

The thought of Sirius Black managing to escape Azkaban was terrifying. Would he really try to kill Harry? And what could have made him betray his friends? Harry wasn't only concerned for his own well being. Remus could be in danger as well. Sirius had already viciously murdered Peter Pettigrew. Why wouldn't he finally off the last Marauder?

Harry's stomach was unsettled and he was full of nervous energy. He'd completed his summer homework already, so he kept himself busy with baking. Minerva gave him a worried look when she caught him at it, but let him carry on. Dobby was more than glad to help in the endeavor. The result was six dozen biscuits and a chocolate cake with a ridiculous amount of chocolate icing.

Remus didn't show his face until much later in the day. He looked haggard and tired. His eyes were red-rimmed and glossy. Minerva instantly went to hug him tightly. "We'll get through this," she told him quietly.

"It'll be alright Moony," Harry murmured, hugging Remus as soon as Minerva released him.

"I know Pup," Remus agreed softly.

The days that followed were filled with tension and increased Auror presence all over wizarding Britain. The wards were strengthened around Minerva's house and owls seemed to be constantly flying in and out of the windows to deliver updates.

The Weasleys returned from their vacation in Egypt and supplied a much needed distraction for Harry and Remus. They'd brought home a great number of pictures and Ron had a newspaper clipping that had a photo of the Weasley family, waving merrily in front of one of the ancient pyramids. Ron could be seen grinning at the camera and clutching his rat, Scabbers.