Freedom

Freedom

Freedom

Chapter Two

Author: Prongs

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns all things 'Harry Potter.'

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed or commented on the first chapter of this story!

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"Peter?" James asked in disbelief.  He stared at his former friend for several seconds before lunging towards Pettigrew with his fists clenched.  "You fucking bastard!  All of this is your fucking fault!"

Peter laughed, "You sound just like Sirius."

"Why?" James said bitterly.  "Why in the hell did you do it?"

"James, we really don't have much time.  I'm going to explain something to you, and you better as hell not talk while I'm talking."

"How dare you speak to me like that?"

"Shut up and listen," Peter hissed.  "I will help you escape, but you must promise me one thing."

"What?" James asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Promise me that you will never again ask me why I did what I did.  Promise me that.  Never ask me…"

"Why should-"

"If you promise, I will help you get to Hogwarts.  Then, you can talk to Dumbledore and perhaps save Sirius.  That's what you want, isn't it?"

James shook his head in disbelief.  "You have no idea how much I hate you," he said in a soft voice that was filled with malice.

"I think I have a pretty good idea," Peter replied.  "We don't have much time, James.  Just promise me that-"

"Why should I trust you?  Look what happened last time I trusted you!"

"I know, and you shouldn't trust me again, but you just have to, James.  Please."

James turned away from Peter and stared at the wall behind him with his arms crossed.  He honestly didn't know what to do.  He felt so much hatred and sadness at the moment that he was completely overcome with his emotions.  James also felt worn out and exhausted.  After all, it had been ages since he had carried on a conversation with anyone.  It was taking his energy away.

"James, we don't have much time!" Peter repeated in a nervous voice.

James turned around and bit his lip.  He had no reason to trust Peter.  No reason at all.  And yet…what if Peter really did help him to Hogwarts?  This could be his only chance to leave this hell and hopefully save Sirius from behind the veil.  

Then again, if Peter was lying, what would happen to James?  A fate worse than death?  James almost snorted-this prison was a fate worse than death.  He didn't really need to worry about things getting any worse than they already were.  

So, maybe, just maybe, he should take a chance and trust Peter.  It was a gamble indeed.  The fucking rat was as untrustworthy as they come.  But if there was the slightest chance in hell that trusting Peter could help James save Sirius, then what the hell?  James figured he really had nothing to lose.

"James?" Peter asked, almost timid
"
"I have no reason to trust you, but I'll do it," James answered finally through clenched teeth.

"Thank Merlin," Peter whispered.  He reached into his pocket and pulled out an old figurine.  He tossed it to James who barely caught it.

"What happened to your quidditch skills?" Peter asked sarcastically.

"Bastard," James replied.

"In less then five minutes that portkey will activate and take you to Hogsmeade," Peter said quietly.  "Remember, you will never ask me why I did what I did.  And remember, I didn't talk to you.  I didn't help you."

Peter walked over to the door and put his hand on the knob.  "Good-bye, James," he murmured before leaving.

James watched Peter go before muttering, "I never promised anything."  He then looked down at the figurine and fingered it carefully.  What if this was all a grand plan that would result in James' death or some form of torture worse than the one he was currently experiencing?  However, what if Peter was actually telling the truth?  James could save Sirius…he could see his son…he could live his life again.

James continued thinking for several more moments, oblivious to the time.  Before he knew it, he felt a familiar pulling feeling, and with a thud, he landed on a gravel walkway somewhere in Hogsmeade.

James immediately shut his eyes.  The bright sunlight was something he was not accustomed tod itd it was blinding him.  He tried opening his eyes slowly, but the light was still incredibly painful.  He finally held a hand up against his forehead and used it as a shield from the sun.  Slowly, he stood up and warily looked around at his surroundings.  

He was definitely in Hogsmeade.  Despite the fact that the place had changed over the years, James knew that's where he was.  He started to walk in the direction of Hogwarts, doing his best to keep himself from suspicious people as he traveled.  

James' legs and feet felt sore as he trudged on.  He almost snorted out in anger when he remembered how strong and in-shape he used to be.  After sitting in a cell for so long, he had lost most of his strength.  He felt weak and pathetic.  If he could indeed bring Sirius back, what would his husband think of him?  Would he still want anything to do with him?  Would he still find att attractive?  

He eventually reached the school grounds and warily made his way to the main entrance.  It was obviously a weekend, and many students were out and about studying and talking.  Most paid no attention to James.

As he neared the entrance, James couldn't help but stop when he heard a voice say, ry, ry, I think our Hermione is in love with someone!"

"I certainly am not!" a girl answered.  "Ron Weasley, perhaps you should spend your time studying.  We have two tests on Monday, and we also-"

"Hey Ron, have you seen the latest broom?" another voice asked.

James felt an odd feeling wash over him.  What if that was his son speaking?  His Harry?  He shook his head and forced himself to continue walking.  The school probably had several Harry's in it.  And besides, if it was his own son, he couldn't stop and look.  What would happen if Harry saw him?

Groaning, James finally walked inside the school and found it virtually deserted.  He began heading in the direction of Dumbledore's office as quickly as he possibly could.

"Who are you?  Stop right there!" a stern voice demanded.

James closed his eyes and slowly turned around so that he was facing his old head of house.

Minerva McGonagall paled slightly and stared at her former student with a shocked expression on her face.  "James?" she asked weakly.

James sadly nodded his head.  

"But how?" McGonagall asked quietly.  "I mean, you're-"

"I need to see Dumbledore," James said.  "I'll explain everything then."

Nodding her head, McGonagall started walking alongside James.  The two moved in silence for the most part-the only words ushered were the password to the Headmaster's office, which was spoken by McGonagall.

When the two entered his office, Albus Dumbledore stood up from his desk with wide eyes.  "James Potter?" he asked in disbelief.  "How on earth is this possible, my boy?"

"I never died," James explained quietly.  "I've been imprisoned ever since that night."

Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged worried glances.  

"I was kept in a cell.  Most days, a deatheater would bring me something small to eat and a glass of water.  They never talked to me until today," James continued.  

"Do you know where you were?" the headmaster asked.

James shook his head.  "I have no idea.  I tried escaping more times then I can even count, but it was to no avail.  The place was always swarming with deatheaters."

"How did you escape?" Dumbledore asked.  "And please do come in and sit down, James."

The younger man nodded his head and quickly sat down in one of the large armchairs in front of the headmaster's desk.  

"The deatheater that came in today started talking to me.  He told me that Harry was alive, and he also told me about Sirius," James practically whispered.  

Dumbledore nodded his head encouragingly and James continued.

"Finally, I asked who he was.  It just seemed so strange to me that he was actually talking with me.  I mean, that never happens.  So, he removed his mask, and it was Peter," James said with his fists clenched.  

McGonagall let out a small gasp and looked at Dumbledore worriedly.

"What happened next, James?  Did he help you escape?"

"We talked, and then he gave me a portkey to Hogsmeade," James explained.  He begged me to promise him that if he helped me escape, I would never again ask him why he betrayed us all.  I never promised anything, but I don't think he even realized it.  He eventually left the room, and within five minutes, I was in Hogsmeade."

"Incredible," the headmaster murmured while McGonagall nodded her head in agreement.

"You look exhausted, James," McGonagall said.  "Perhaps you should sleep for a while before we-"

James adamantly shook his head.  "Can we save Sirius?  Peter said he fell behind the veil.  He can't be dead yet, right?  Can I save him?"

Dumbledore started to reply, but he stopped when his door burst open.

"Headmaster, these three nosy Gryffindors were-"

"We didn't do it!  It was Malfoy!" Ron Weasley yelled angrily.  "I already told you that!"

"Ron, hush!  You're going to get us into even more trouble than we're already in," Hermione hissed.

Both turned to Harry, but he wasn't listening to a word they were saying.  His eyes were focused on one person…

~*~

TBC

A/N: Please review and give me some feedback!  Also, remember this is the SxJ group's 250 member story.  I am basing it on polls from the SxJ group.

You will find out in the next chapter how Sirius can be saved!