Chapter 2:
Albus Dumbledore ambled along the corridor, his steps directed towards the hospital wing. To any casual observer, it would appear that the eccentric old man was out for a regular round of the castle. However those that knew him could spot a few irregularities that clearly pointed out the state of agitation he was currently in. And at that moment, watching him from a distance was Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, who had been his closest friend for the past forty years.
"Headmaster-Albus, what is the matter? Has something happened?" she asked. His face was unusually grave, and the twinkle in his blue eyes had vanished.
"I am afraid so, Minerva. Tom has struck again, this time more terrible than ever before. " He said without slowing his pace.
Pushing open the door to the Hospital Wing, he strode inside. At one end of the room, the nurse, Madam Pomfrey and another Healer were bending over what appeared to be a bloody pile of rags. Professor McGonagall fought back nausea as she took a closer look. It was a young man-one she knew very well. His body was covered with bruises and wounds and he was writhing in pain.
"I am doing my best, headmaster but- he may not survive." Madam Pomfrey said in a low voice, coming over to them. She then left to minister to her patient.
"But why, Albus?" asked McGonagall. She knew that Voldemort needed no reason to torture anyone but little Pettigrew had always been so harmless, and lived in the shadows. Quite frankly, she would have not been surprised had the victim been one of Peter's best friends, the Aurors James Potter or Sirius Black.
"Minerva, you do not know it but Peter Pettigrew is a Death Eater.", Seeing his friend and former student about to burst into speech he quickly went on,
"He is also a spy for our side. Yes, don't look so surprised. Mr. Pettigrew here has always been rather nondescript and I believe it was his desire for glory that led him to join Lord Voldemort. However, once he joined he soon realized the error of his ways. Since backing out was hardly an option," here Dumbledore gave a wry grin which was soon replaced by a look of worry. He continued, "He approached me, desperate for help. I was skeptical at first but I was amazed to see his natural talent in occlumency and misdirection. I convinced him to be our spy. Contrary to what people think, I do not believe that the Sorting hat made a wrong choice for Peter."
"But if Peter has been tortured- then, James and Lily? And Harry? What happened to them? Surely you-know-who could not have found them?"
Dumbledore's face turned even darker, and suddenly he seemed to have aged, "Their house has been reduced to ashes, Minerva and –his voice broke- there is no sign of the three of them."