Re: Peter - Sirius - Onlookers? Referees?
Sirius didn't hear anything, all he saw was Peter, in the position he'd imagined countless times over the years he spent in Azkaban. He'd pictured this moment, Peter at the end of his wand, and all he had to do was speak two words and he could finally take back some of what Peter had stolen from him. The words were there on his lips, and there had never been any question as to whether or not he could cast the curse.
And suddenly Jamie was in front of him, right where Peter should be - and Sirius didn't know what to do, Peter had been there, right under his grasp, for a second time and for a second time he was going to be denied. "Move," It was all he could say to his friend, he needed him to move, it wasn't even a desire, he needed him to get out of the way and let him do this. He'd waited long enough, hadn't he? Been through enough that he should get this now.
But then there was James, his James, and the tension that had kept Sirius from even considering lowering his wand had snapped. He let James push his wand down, dropped his face onto James' shoulder and let out a shuddering breath, the hot sting of tears in his face, and he couldn't face anyone else in that moment.