"And you guys are only among the third batch because," James paused to look at Sirius, "you had ties with the other side. Your family was a huge obstacle to overcome, and I could not let on to anything until you were truly rid of them. Andromeda, too. The mere fact that you are making amends with Regulus could put us in danger; I know you two are having a rough time, but a mere heart-to-heart could throw the whole thing into jeopardy." Another moment of hesitation left his words to jump haphazardly from here to there as he let his reasoning sink in with Sirius. Then with a look of desperation he turned to Peter.
"And how could I risk your life, Peter?" James inquired with a sigh. "Remus came on his own accord, and for that I was sorry. But how could I turn him away from the cause? Still, I could not say to you, 'Oi, Peter, put your head on this block for chopping.' Because things are dark and things are dangerous. What was once all birds and chasing skirts has turned into the threat of war, and to throwing our lives onto a ledge to fight against the Dark Lord."