Before I begin this story, I have to put out the usual disclaimers and such. I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters except the ones I created so please don't sue me, I have no money anyway. This story takes place during the Marauder's era after they left Hogwarts and it contains two characters that I have made up. If you don't like stories that aren't exactly book accurate then don't read this story but I thought they were pretty much essential to the story.
Background information:
Sirius is living with his girlfriend Arielle and they recently got engaged.
Remus is married to Victoria, Arielle's fraternal twin sister, who is about 7 months pregnant with their child.
Lily and James are married like in the book and have Harry.
Peter lives alone and is just like in the book also.
Chapter One: The Beginning of the End
Pain. So much intense pain flowed through her veins as they drug her crying and screaming hysterically. How could her lifer ever be normal again, had it really been only two days ago that she had believed herself to be the happiest woman in the world? She finally stopped thrashing wildly and allowed herself to be carried away, falling into a dark silence.
Arielle awoke as the soft morning sunlight began to peek into her bedroom. She yawned and stretched slowly, then rolled over to face the man sleeping soundly beside her. She couldn't help but smile as she gazed upon Sirius's peaceful face, and she gently touched his long, dark hair. He was an extremely good looking man, and Arielle just watched him sleep for a few moments before she snuggled up close to him.
Sirius stirred slowly as his eyes fluttered open. He yawned hugely and looked down at the golden-haired woman who was lying beside him. He smiled lovingly at her and wrapped his muscular arms around her body, holding her close to him.
"Good morning, love," Arielle murmered into Sirius's warm neck as she cuddled him.
"Morning, babe," Sirius replied groggily, running a hand through her golden hair. Arielle giggled quietly as Sirius's hand trailed down her bare back, tickling her smooth skin ever so gently. Sirius grinned hearing Arielle's soft laughter and he suddenly grabbed her and rolled on top of her slim body. Arielle squealed in surprise and playfully struggled to escape Sirius's strong grasp but could not. After a few minutes of wrestling, Sirius finally pinned Arielle down and kissed her. It was the kind of kiss that made Arielle's head swim in emotions, passionate, sweet, and strong all at the same time. Arielle felt herself losing control as Sirius deepened the kiss and things probably would have heated up even more if the door bell would not have rang at that exact moment.
Arielle broke the kiss abruptly when she heard the door bell chiming and her and Sirius both paused for a moment. When it had remained silent for a couple more seconds, Sirius grinned and began to gently kiss Arielle's neck. The door bell rang again, but this time Sirius ignored it.
"Sirius," Arielle said breathlessly, interrupting the comfortable silence. "Someone's at the door."
"They can wait," Sirius replied in a low voice, showering her collarbone with light kisses. The door bell rang yet again and this time was accompanied by loud knocking. Sirius groaned impatiently and reluctantly climbed out of bed. Arielle gave him an apologetic smile as he pulled on his boxers and went to answer the door.
Arielle sat up, wrapping the silky sheets around her naked body and listened. She giggled when she heard Sirius curse loudly and the voice of their friend, Peter. She quickly got up out of bed and put on her white, satin robe, and made her way to the kitchen where Sirius and Peter's voices had migrated to.
Sirius was putting the teapot on the stove when she entered and Peter was helping himself to a scone on the kitchen table. He blushed slightly when he saw Arielle, clad in only her robe, and looked away.
"I'm sorry if I am interrupting anything," he said as Sirius shot him a cold glare. "I thought you two would be up by now."
"It's quite alright, Pete," Arielle said as she took a seat next to him. "Sirius and I…err…had a late night last night, that's all." Peter looked even more uncomfortable as Sirius grinned and came to sit next to Arielle.
"A very late night," he said in a deep voice, only inches from her ear. Arielle grinned mischievously and leaned in to kiss him gently.
"For goodness' sake, cut it out," Peter complained as Arielle and Sirius began to slowly make out. "Can you two not keep your hands off each other for five minutes?"
"Sorry, Pete," Sirius replied with a grin as he pulled Arielle onto his lap. "But we did just get engaged last week."
"Yeah, cut us a break," Arielle said then turned to Sirius. "Besides, who could resist this face?" Sirius made his trademark puppy face and Arielle gave him a soft kiss. Peter rolled his eyes.
"Well, anyways," he continued, "I just came from James' and Lily's, who've been up for hours, mind you, and they're about ready to cast the spell. They said they'll be performing it tonight at nightfall, so you'll have to be there, Sirius."
The playfulness that had been present in Sirius' eyes moments ago vanished and was instantly replaced with cold seriousness. "Did James say when he wanted me there?" he asked, his voice hard and focused.
Peter shook his head. "Just be there by nightfall." Sirius nodded grimly.
Feeling the tension in the room, Arielle got to her feet. "I'm going to take a shower and get dressed," she said, kissing Sirius on the forehead. She smiled at Peter then turned and left the room. Sirius didn't like the way Peter's eyes followed his fiancé as she walked away but he was too preoccupied to really care at the moment.
Sirius sighed heavily and looked at Peter. "God, I can't believe this is happening," he said softly. "James, Lily, even little Harry…It's just not fair."
Peter nodded slightly. "Listen, Sirius," he said in a startling urgent whisper. "I have to tell you something, but you can't tell a soul, not even Arie."
Sirius gave Peter a strange look. "What is it, Pete, is everything ok?"
"Yes, it's just about the spell tonight," Peter continued, looking still strangely nervous. "But before I tell you, you have to swear on your life not tell anyone."
"I won't tell anyone," Sirius replied, concern growing on his face.
Peter took a deep breath and continued. "Alright," he began, a couple of beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "I was talking to James this morning, like I said , and he and I thought it would be a good idea to make me the secret keeper instead of you. I mean, You-Know-Who will be expecting you to be the secret keeper and he'll come after you for sure. So, James and me were thinking, why put you in danger when You-Know-Who will never suspect me in a million years, right? It just makes more sense." Peter paused and chuckled nervously.
Sirius sat silent, deep in thought for a few moments before he finally replied. "I….no," he finally said, shaking his head. "James chose me, I'm going to be his secret keeper. I don't care if Voldemort comes after me, I'll take James and Lily's secret to the grave."
"But Sirius," Peter cut in, "That's just it, James knows you'd rather die than betray him. That's what we're all afraid of. And what about Arie?" Peter stopped for a minute, as if thinking, then carried on. "Do you think You-Know-Who would just leave her alone when he's done with you? He'll use her against you."
Sirius buried his face in his hands. A deep, ragged sigh escaped from his lips and he spoke. "Fine," he said quietly. "You'll be the secret keeper."
"I knew you'd understand, Sirius," Peter said, looking relieved. "If I had a girl like Arie to look out for…Well, I don't so it doesn't matter."
"I'll just have to explain to her why I'm not going to James' tonight then…" Sirius said, standing up.
"No!" Peter shouted, louder than he intended to. "No, Sirius you can't tell anyone we're switching, not even Arie," Peter said quieter but no less urgent. "You still have to go tonight so everyone thinks you're the keeper to trick You-Know-Who."
Sirius nodded slightly, a gloomy look on his face. He didn't like the sound of this new plan at all, but it did make some sense. He'd much rather just be James and Lily's secret keeper and send Arielle into hiding. "So there's still a chance that Voldemort will come after me," Sirius said after some considerable silence, "If he believes me to be the secret keeper."
Peter nodded grimly. "Yes, but you'll be in much less danger when he learns you're not the keeper," Peter answered. "Believe me, it's for the best." Sirius nodded once again and stood up. Peter also stood up, taking this as a cue to leave. "Well, I'd better be on my way," he said, making his way to the front door. "Much to do before tonight." Sirius walked with his to the door, not making a sound. Peter turned to him before he left and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Sirius," he said in a low voice. "Everything will turn out fine." With those words, Peter walked out the door and was gone.
Sirius lingered by the door for a few minutes, still deep in thought. Something didn't seem quite right and it was clawing at his mind. Peter was never the confident one, especially when it came to being confident in himself. He had been acting very strangely and Sirius couldn't help but feel uneasy. He heard the shower in the bathroom turn off and he pushed his uneasiness aside. He suddenly wanted to spend as much time with Arielle as he could; he just had a bad feeling something terrible was going to happen.
Sirius made his way to the bathroom and pushed the door open to see Arielle wrapped in a towel, drying her hair. "Did Pete leave already?" Arielle asked, seeing Sirius enter the bathroom.
"Yeah," Sirius answered, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. Arielle smiled and turned to face Sirius. Her smile faded when she saw his troubled face and she spoke softly to him.
"Sirius?" she said in her gentle voice, "What's wrong, baby?"
Sirius shook his head. "Nothing," he said, forcing a smile, "I just want to spend the whole day with you."
Arielle eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure you're alright?" she asked. "You know you can tell me anything."
Sirius looked down, avoiding Arielle's eyes. "Arie, whatever happens tonight," Sirius said quietly, "know that I love you and I always will. No matter what, remember that."
Arielle stared at Sirius, fear now present in her beautiful grey eyes, but she remained silent. Sirius looked up at her and their eyes met. They both stood in silence for a moment until Sirius gently pulled Arielle's face toward his own and kissed her. Arielle kissed him back desperately and passionately, and soon they became so wrapped up in each other that Arielle's towel lay forgotten on the bathroom floor, as did Sirius' boxers. The two of them made love like it was their last night together, and unfortunately, it was for good reason.
Please review and tell me what you thought! I'll have more posted soon.