Disclaimer: Of course I don't own anything that is related to Harry Potter.

AN: Maybe there are some of you who read the first version of this story - at least the first three chapters, because the rest I didn't post. Actually, I started this before even OotP came out and then I had a major writer's block. I rewrote a lot of things and decided to start this again. I don't promise that will update fast but I promise to finish this story. So please tell me what you think about it. Thank you for reading.

Chapter one: Choices and differences

1981

„Sorry for disturbing you…"

This hesitant tone was so not typical for Sirius that Remus looked up immediately.

„What's wrong?"

His friend's face was etched with worry. His last two years with the aurors robbed him of that mischieveuous innocence that his parents couldn't kill. He was a responsible member of the wizarding law enforcement and Remus found this change a little bit frightening. It showed how severe their situation was.

„I'd like to talk to you about something… in private" he added which meant of course somewhere where they couldn't be overheard.

„Let's go to my office."

Remus worked at the Merlin Public Library in London which was not only the biggest library in wizarding Britain but also a famous research center. It was a good place to work at – if somebody had a maniac obsession with books and with studying.

Sirius followed him in silence and remained so even after Remus closed the door and muttered a silencing spell.

"What's wrong?" Remus asked again even more worried this time.

"I guess you know about the prophecy…" Sirius said at last.

He didn't have to ask which prophecy. Dumbledore told him about it and asked him to try to analyze it. Unfortunately he came to the same conclusion as his old mentor. So he just nodded.

"Dumbledore came up with an idea to protect Harry…" he sighed and collapsed into one of the huge oak chairs. His expression told that he didn't like the old man's idea that much.

"What would it be? Or can you talk about it?"

They lived in a war and there were secrets of which you couldn't tell a word even to your best friend.

"Yes… Or at least I feel that I have to, because I thought about it a lot and I think we might make a big mistake. I want to hear another opinion…"

"You know… Dumbledore suspects that somebody is giving over information to Voldemort… somebody who is close to James or to Lily. Wherever they try to hide the Death Eaters always find them. It is only a question of time…"

He didn't have to finish the sentence. Those who were on Voldemort's death-list all died… sooner or later.

"Dumbledore thinks the only way is to cast the Fidelius Charm."

"It sounds reasonable… Does James agree?"

"More or less. He doesn't want to go into hiding but he has a son… and Harry's life is more important than his pride or honor."

"Did he say this?"

"No. Actually I told him this when I tried to convince him to accept Dumbledore's suggestion."

"Then what's the problem?"

"James asked me to be the Secret Keeper."

"It's also reasonable, you're his best friend, you're Harry's godfather."

"Which Voldemort knows perfectly well, too."

Remus started to understand what Sirius must have been thinking about.

"You are afraid that it's too obvious" it wasn't a question but Sirius nodded nonetheless.

"He certainly will come after me…" he looked up and Remus was taken aback by the fire in his pale blue eyes. "Don't think that I'm scared of him. I'm not." And Remus believed him, because he knew Sirius. There weren't many people who could tell this convincingly but Sirius definitely could. "I'm scared that it doesn't matter how hard I try in the end I'll betray them and then…"

He turned away as if he found something very interesting in the pattern of the carpet. Remus knew that it must have been hard for Sirius to admit that he might not be unbreakable. He had a rough childhood and to tell the truth his adulthood didn't seem much better either but he never showed weakness. Probably because weakness would have killed him in the Black family.

"I thought about this whole night and I think I have an idea. It might not be perfect but it could work. If you agree…"

"So I guess I have a role in your plan, as well."

"You can say it's the main role."

"I'm honored."

"Just wait out." He smiled but it didn't really reach his eyes. "I think James should choose somebody else for Secret Keeper. Without telling anybody else. We would drop hints that it is me, this way the Death Eaters would come after me but even if they catch me I won't be able to tell them about the Potter's whereabouts."

"And you mean they should switch to me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I trust you. I was hesitating for a while but it really could be only you or Peter."

"And why not him?"

"I don't know" then she smiled sheepishly. "Actually in the end I threw up a coin. So you can call it luck… or unluck, it depends."

For a few moments they sat in silence as Remus was digesting what he heard.

"I don't like the idea of you playing the role of a bait… But I think the idea is good and you're probably right in everything so… I accept."

Sirius nodded.

"I'm glad" but there was anything but happiness in his voice. "We should accomplish this as soon as possible. I contact James and I'll meet you here at six p.m."

"Today?"

"Of course."

Two months later James and Lily Potter were dead but their son survived. Voldemort was gone or at least weakened drastically and everybody cheered except those few who grieved the lost of four wonderful people… and some a fifth who didn't lose his life but probably his soul by betraying his friends.

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