"Are you sure the map says she's alone in there?" Sirius asked for the fourth time.
"Yes," James sighed. "She's alone."
"It's just that it wasn't so long ago that your map was saying that we were sitting next to people in the loo when we were actually in the Great Hall," Sirius pointed out.
"Well," said James, "if the map is previously known for saying that there are more people in a room than there actually are, maybe we should be worried she's not in there at all."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Don't be silly, we followed her and watched her go in there. It's the only way in or out."
"That's not the point, Sirius," James said.
"Whatever."
"What does it matter whether she's alone in there?" James asked. "Is your father suspicious that she and Professor Ashworth are, um, you know?"
"No, no," Sirius said, focusing intently on the door to Professor Ashworth's private chambers. "If it turns out he's in there with her, we can go and not be worried."
"That makes no sense," James complained. "I'm not one to talk, but really, those two seem too close for a student and professor. It seems like your father should be worried about that sort of thing."
"No, this is serious," said Sirius.
"No, you're Sirius, Sirius," James punned.
"Oh shut up," Sirius grumbled. "Bellatrix is in danger, apparently. My dad said that I have to keep an eye on her when Professor Ashworth isn't."
"Wait, so Professor Ashworth is protecting your cousin? From what?"
Sirius looked around before answering in a whisper. "A dark lord."
James gasped. "No way."
Sirius nodded. "Apparently there's a new dark lord."
"Why is the dark lord after your cousin then?" James inquired.
Sirius shrugged, "Apparently she and Professor Ashworth have been fighting this dark lord. Last night, she wandered off and a bunch of his followers nearly killed her. That's why she's been moved to Gryffindor Tower, and that's why I dragged you down here when I saw her leave her dorm."
"I knew that Ashworth guy seemed strange," James observed. "Obviously, he's a spy planted by your father. I bet he doesn't even know anything about potions."
"Don't be ridiculous," Sirius scoffed.
"Just think about it," James argued. "Things have been off for several months. Several months ago Professor Ashworth was appointed to the staff. Then he started having those dinners and being overly friendly with the students. Then, we saw him and Bellatrix wandering around at night on the map."
"Maybe," Sirius said, rubbing his chin. "But wasn't it Malfoy who twisted people's arms to get Ashworth on the staff?"
"Maybe your father and Malfoy are in this together," James theorized.
"So why, in Merlin's name, are the Black and Malfoy families combining against a dark lord?" Sirius asked. "We're supposed to support dark lords. Pureblood politics and all that."
"Maybe this dark lord is from the wrong political faction?" James suggested.
"Yeah, right," Sirius said.
"We should talk to Ashworth about this dark lord. Maybe he can get us in on the ground level fighting him." James said, sounding excited.
Sirius looked at James with an arched eyebrow. "Why do we want to get involved in a fight with a dark lord?"
"Well, if we want to be aurors, we could count it as experience," James said.
"You're mental. I bet you just want to impress Lily."
There was some silence.
"I thought so," said Sirius.
"Isn't fighting dark lords a good thing?" James asked.
"Depends on how likely you are to get killed," Sirius mused.
They were interrupted from further musings by the sound of footsteps approaching from down the hall. Soon, Professor Ashworth came into sight.
"Let's get out of here," Sirius muttered. "Looks like he's got her covered for now."
However, James had other plans. Before Sirius could realize what was happening, James had approached Professor Ashworth."
"Good to see you, Professor," said James.
"Eh, good to see you," replied Harry. "How are you?"
"Doing great," said James. "I just want you to know that you can count on Sirius and me for any help that you need in the upcoming difficulties. We'll make sure Bellatrix is safe, too."
Harry stared at James with confusion. "Sorry?"
Sirius jumped in and saved his friend. "Don't worry, Professor. We've got you covered. See ya 'round." He grabbed James's arm and dragged him away.
....
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