"Backstabber"
"Gideon and Fabian Prewett"
AUGUST 1981
Remus woke up due to the sun shining into the bedroom. He groaned, grabbing the cover to pull over his head when he froze. His fingers stilled on the silky sheets and he knew that he was not in his own bed. Opening his eyes, he glanced over to his right to see Dorcas sleeping peacefully next to him. He had never spent the night before but he had felt rather sorry for himself the previous night.
Yesterday had been Harry's first birthday. He had sent a gift but refused to stop by the house, not when he knew that Sirius would potentially be there. The two had been avoiding each other like the plague and Remus' relationship with the Potters had suffered as a consequence of that. Not to mention, the McKinnons' funeral was slated for the following day. He wanted to go since he had been close to Marlene once upon a time, but felt like it was just a terrible idea. Perhaps he'd pay his respects a different way.
Licking his lips, he rolled out of bed as carefully as he could and easily found his clothes scattered on the floor of the bedroom. He dressed quickly and made his way through the flat towards the kitchen to make some tea. If he had spent the night, he figured he may as well help himself to some tea before he headed out. He had already broken the biggest rule in his shag-buddy rulebook. What was one more?
Carding a hand through his sandy hair, he noticed an owl sitting on the ledge with a newspaper tied around its foot. Remus opened the window and untied the newspaper. Luckily, Dorcas seemed to have prepaid for the Daily Prophet because Remus didn't have the change to spare. It flew away, much to Remus' relief. Tossing the paper onto the counter, Remus busied himself with the kettle and locating the tea.
"A girl could get used to this," Dorcas' voice rang.
Remus turned around to see her leaning in the doorframe of the kitchen, a smug smirk gracing her features. He didn't comment as he turned back to the kettle, the corners of his lips twitching up as well.
"I fell asleep," Remus said in a lame tone. "Do you want some tea?"
"Always," Dorcas responded as she took a seat at the kitchen table and waited patiently for him to finish.
Once finished, he sat the tea down on the table before grabbing the Daily Prophet. Dorcas had untied the twine and unrolled it. Remus saw a picture of the McKinnons on the front page and winced. He was tired of seeing their deaths used as selling points for the newspapers and magazines.
The McKinnon Massacre
A Joint Family Funeral Planned for the Second of August
Remus tightened his grip on his cup and took a large sip, feeling the liquid burn down his throat. He couldn't help but stare at Marlene's smiling face, laughter alight on her features. Running a hand over his face, he doubted for the first time in months if Sirius really was the spy. He knew the two of them were in love, completely smitten with one another. While there was a lot wrong with Sirius, he didn't think he'd kill the woman he loved in cold blood. Unless… he had never loved her in the first place.
"Are you going?" Dorcas asked, gesturing her head towards the paper.
"I don't really fancy getting into a fistfight with Sirius," Remus replied as he folded the paper and tossed it away from him. He couldn't look at it any longer.
"Remus," Dorcas said in a soft and gentle voice.
"I'll send flowers," Remus said, wondering how the hell he was going to be able to afford flowers. He had spent what was left over of his measly paycheck on Harry.
Dorcas sighed. "You should at least stop by the Potters' house and see Lily."
Remus hadn't seen Lily and James in person in a good two months in person. He had mirror called them, of course, and sent letters. Except Remus had stayed away from Godric's Hollow so he wouldn't run into Sirius. From what he understood, Sirius was always at the house. Sirius was the best friend, the godfather, the brother. He had been family to James since the moment they had decided to become friends on the Hogwarts Express, some infallible bond forming with the first mischievous grin that had been exchanged between the two.
"I don't want to intrude," Remus settled on saying.
Dorcas sat her teacup down, a frown forming on her face. "Sirius hasn't been by since Marlene's death."
Remus raised his eyebrows at that bit of information. "Even yesterday? For Harry's birthday."
"No, Lily contacted me and asked if I knew where he was," Dorcas explained. "She's worried about him. Apparently, when Sirius didn't show all day for Harry's birthday, James was ready to leave hiding to find him."
"Did he?" Remus whispered.
"No, Lily stopped him from leaving and sent Peter to look for him," Dorcas replied. "She asked about you as well."
Remus blinked, a lump forming in his throat. "Yeah?"
"They're worried about you, Remus," Dorcas explained as she reached across the table to grab his wrist. "While Sirius is spiraling and throwing blame and accusations around, you're withdrawing into a shell and avoiding everyone."
"I'll stop by today," Remus conceded, his heart aching.
Dorcas smiled as she stood up and crossed the kitchen. Digging through a cabinet, she pulled out a travel mug and made her way back over to him. She grabbed his teacup and poured his tea in it before handing it back to him.
"Go now before you change your mind," she instructed.
"This is no way to drink tea," Remus argued, fingering the travel mug.
"Go," Dorcas pushed as she grabbed his arm and hauled him up. "You'll feel better. I'll see you tomorrow for the funeral. I'll come by yours to pick you up."
"Dorcas…" Remus trailed off.
"You have done nothing wrong," Dorcas replied, her arms crossing over her chest. "Stop acting like you have."
Remus nodded, his heart swelling with something unfamiliar and odd. His entire chest felt full and tight. His face drew nearer to hers, his lips brushing against hers. There was something deliciously forbidden about kissing Dorcas when they weren't fucking like dragons in bed, something that made him think that he'd like to kiss her like that every single morning. As quick as the moment crashed into him, it left just as fast when he remembered what he was. He would never be able to have that with her or with any other witch.
Without another word, Remus made his way out of Dorcas' flat and heeded her advice. He made his way to Godric's Hollow before he could change his mind. As soon as the cottage came into view, he doubted whether or not he should go inside. What if Peter had dragged Sirius to the house? He didn't fancy getting into it with Sirius in front of James and Lily, and especially not Harry. Mustering up all of the courage within him, he entered the wards.
The front door opened before he could even reach the door. James stood there with a bit of scruff on his face and a wide grin gracing his features. Harry sat in his arms, his little head laying against James' shoulder as he chewed on his fingers.
"Moony!" James greeted. "I saw you outside the wards looking like you were about to leave."
Remus offered a tight smile. "Well, I didn't know if you had company."
James' face fell. "Look, you two need to work out your issues."
"I don't know what you're talking about, James," Remus replied as he stopped short of the Potters, reaching out a hand and rubbing Harry's back. "Hello, Harry."
Harry didn't acknowledge him. Why would he? He hadn't seen Remus in a while and probably forgot all about him. Harry was too young to be able to remember him from months ago. Remus licked his lips, wondering when exactly was the last time he had seen Harry in person or the last time he had even held the kid.
"Come on in, Remus," James stepped back into the house. He dropped his voice and continued, "Lily will be happy to see you. She's been… well, she hasn't been doing so well. Not since Marlene."
Remus frowned at the information even though it wasn't surprising. The thought of losing one of his best friends was an impossible thing to even think about. Even though their relationships had been strained as of late, Remus knew that he could count on them to be there for him if he needed them. Well, perhaps not Sirius, but he knew James and Peter would be.
They made their way into the parlor to see Lily curled up on a chair with the mirror out. Remus froze when he heard Sirius' voice.
"That's fucking stupid, Evans," he snapped at her.
"Either you pick me up tomorrow or I'll go alone," Lily replied, her eyes looking up to see Remus. "I'm not missing the funeral."
"Yeah, what does James say about this?"
Lily rolled her eyes. "Not that I need his permission or anything, but he said he'd be all right if I go as long as I stayed close to you. I think his exact words were that I was not allowed to leave your arms the entire time I was out, so live it up, Black. Here's your chance to whisk me away from James."
The familiar and painful bark-like laugh of Sirius made Remus want to run. "Soul mates, Evans. I'm telling you, we are soul mates."
Lily smiled softly at him in the mirror. "Please, I want to go together. I need you, Sirius."
Sirius sighed. "All right. We'll go together. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sirius…" Lily trailed off, her lips pursing. "You got my letter?"
"I did. Thanks for the picture," Sirius replied, his voice sounding far away. "I'm… sorry for not… Harry had an all right day then?"
Lily smiled sadly. "Yeah, though he missed his godfather."
There was a long pause. "I just… it wasn't a good day."
Lily nodded. "I understand. Just don't be a stranger, yeah? I love you. James loves you. Harry just downright adores you. I'd argue you're his favorite person."
Sirius chuckled. "He's my favorite person. Just don't tell James that."
"Hey!" James shouted as he marched over to the chair and leaned into the mirror with Harry.
"SSSSS!" Harry hissed, his little legs kicking in James' arms.
"Hey, mate," Sirius greeted. "How about I come by later today?"
"For dinner," Lily confirmed. "Bring takeaway. I have leftover cake."
James nodded in the mirror's direction. "See you later, Pads."
Lily bid her goodbye before she sat the mirror down on the end table. She jumped up from her chair and rushed across the room with her arms open. Remus caught her around the middle and couldn't help the smile that tugged on his lips.
"I've missed you, Remus," Lily murmured against his collarbone.
He had missed the Potters more than he could ever accurately put into words. For the first time in months, he finally felt like he was home.
Lily refused to disguise herself, much to Sirius' and James' dismay. James had argued with her for nearly a half hour about not being seen in public, but she refused to not be herself for her best friend's funeral. Sirius would be damned if she left his fucking side, so he conceded to her wishes.
Sirius stood in the parlor of Godric's Hollow and watched Lily kiss Harry on top of his unruly head before turning to James. They exchanged words and Sirius looked away to give them some privacy.
Shoving his hands into his trouser pockets, his fingers brushed against the diamond engagement ring in his pocket. His throat clogged as it would never rest on her finger. Merlin, there wasn't even a body and it had been officially ruled to have burned in the fire. They were burying her wand. Just her fucking wand. Reaching up a hand, he brushed at his eyes to stop his tears from falling. Maybe he could slip the engagement ring onto her wand without anyone noticing, so that it seemed like a little more they were burying than just a wand in a big empty casket.
When Lily touched his arm, he pulled her close to his chest and pressed his lips onto her forehead. "Stay close, yeah?"
"Promise," Lily whispered.
"I'll take care of her, Prongs," Sirius promised, his gaze locking with James'.
"I wouldn't trust anyone else," James whispered.
Sirius nodded as he pulled back from the tight embrace and slung his arm protectively around her shoulders. She took a step closer to him, her arms wrapping around him. Sucking in a breath, he nodded towards James before he led Lily out of the Hollow and into the cobblestone streets. They found a small alleyway to Apparate from, away from prying eyes.
"Side-along?" Sirius asked and Lily only nodded into his chest.
He squeezed her a little closer before he Apparated them to the cemetery in Manchester. It was a joint funeral where Marlene's paternal grandparents, parents, brother, and sister-in-law would be remembered and buried with her. Sirius supposed he should be relieved that it would only be one funeral, but he still didn't want to be there. He didn't want to say goodbye. Didn't want to admit that it was real.
Sirius squeezed Lily's hand, his eyes focusing on the seven caskets in a straight line with seven freshly dug graves. A lump formed in his throat as his eyes glanced around to see every single member of the Order of the Phoenix, nearly the entire department of the DMLE, and so many other people that Sirius couldn't even identify. The McKinnons had been an old and well-respected pureblood family. So many people had looked down on his relationship with Marlene, sneered at the way a witch from such a nice family had ended up with a Black…
Lily sniffed beside him, pressing close into his side. "This is awful."
Sirius just clenched his jaw, unable to speak. There was nothing to say. Death Eaters had slaughtered an entire family and were probably clinking glasses in celebration while an entire community grieved. Sirius had never wanted to murder anyone more than he had in that moment. He wanted to personally strangle each and every Death Eater that had been at the McKinnons' house that night. He wanted revenge for the entire family, but especially for Marlene.
He kept true to his word and didn't let go of Lily once during the funeral. They sat next to Fabian and Gideon who had their hands stuffed in their robe pockets, their fingers no doubt curled around their wands as though they half expected the funeral to be crashed. Sirius wouldn't put it past Bellatrix to show up to make some snide comment to him about his girlfriend being dead. There wasn't a doubt in Sirius' mind that Bellatrix had been at the McKinnons that fateful night and had probably been the one to murder Marlene. It was up her alley, her twisted cup of tea.
The service dragged on for hours as person after person after bloody person spoke about the McKinnons and shared stories. He could only sit there like a statue and stare off into space to keep himself from crying. Lily sobbed openly, her body pressing so close to his that not even a Knut could fit between them. Sirius thought that he needed her just as much as she needed him. He was happy that she was sitting next to him of all people.
No one dared to disturb the funeral, which was a miracle in and of itself. Sirius supposed that the entire Ministry showing up for the fallen Deputy Head Auror had something to do with it. Then again, Death Eaters were dumber than dragon dung so he was still slightly surprised.
After the last person spoke, a line formed for everyone to pay their final respects. It was a slow-moving line, but Sirius and Lily waited in it. With his free hand, Sirius reached into the pocket of his dress robes and fingered the diamond ring once more. He had made up his mind. He wanted Marlene's wand to be buried with the engagement ring that had been intended for her.
"So many people turned up," Lily commented, her head resting on his shoulder as they waited. One of her hands was clutched around his and her other hand squeezed his elbow. "James was devastated he was missing it, but we couldn't take Harry out of the house."
Sirius nodded, his eyes catching sight of Remus standing next to Dorcas about twenty people ahead of them. An irrational hatred pumped through his body. Had Remus been there? Surely, if he was the spy, he had been at the McKinnons that night. A massive group of Death Eaters must have been there to take out two highly skilled Aurors and a retired Auror.
"Sirius?" Lily whispered, looking at up him. "Are you all right? You've barely spoken since we left the house."
Sirius tore his gaze away from the back of Remus' head to look down properly at Lily. He offered her a small and forced smile.
"Yeah," he croaked as they took a step closer to the caskets. "I just…"
Don't want to be here. Don't want to say goodbye. Don't want this to be real.
"I'm just sad," Sirius settled on saying, because anything else would have him breaking down in front of everyone.
Lily pressed her nose into Sirius' arm. "Me too."
When it was their turn to say their goodbyes, Sirius refused to look in any of the caskets. He couldn't look at Marlene's family just lying there not looking like themselves. Marlene's casket was the final one on the end. A sob crawled up his throat when he saw nothing but her dark cherry wand resting on the stark white satin. It seemed unfair and unnatural as he stared at that damn piece of wood. For the first time since they had left Godric's Hollow, Sirius let go of Lily.
Pulling the engagement ring out of his pocket, he carefully slid it onto the tip of Marlene's wand. The diamonds shimmered and sparkled in the sunlight. Sirius held his breath as he battled with his emotions. Lily gave out a heavy sob next to him and he knew she was staring at him. He just stared at the stupid piece of wood, his mouth wired shut, and refused to look at Lily.
I love you, Sirius thought, his eyes burning from not blinking. A day won't go by that I don't think of you. I'll make them pay. I'll make them all pay for what they've done to you.
Without a word, Sirius slid his hand back into Lily's and tugged her away from the casket. He sniffed as they walked away and Sirius didn't think he could stay to watch the caskets lowered into the earth.
"I'd like to leave," Sirius whispered.
Lily squeezed his hand. "All right."
When they arrived back at Godric's Hollow, James jumped up from the floor in the parlor where he had been playing with Harry. He pulled Sirius into a tight bear-hug and refused to let go. Sirius returned the embrace, feeling hollow with a dull ache burning in his chest. He just wanted to be by himself but he didn't know where to go. He couldn't very well go back to the cottage he had shared with Marlene. Perhaps he could buy a flat somewhere. His uncle had left him more than enough gold to live ten lives with.
Tiny arms wrapped around Sirius' leg because Harry could never see anyone hugging without wanting to join in. Sirius reached down, his fingertips brushing against Harry's unruly mop of hair.
"Spend the night," James said as he pulled away, his hands gripping Sirius' arms.
"I'm fine," Sirius replied automatically, his voice void of any emotion.
"I'm not asking, Pads," James added, his jaw squaring.
"James," Sirius replied, trying to come up with any excuse as to why he couldn't stay other than he didn't want to. "I just… want to be alone."
"No," James replied, his arms crossing. "You need to be with family right now. We're the only family each other have left. It's just the four of us."
Sirius glanced down at Harry who beamed up at him. Kneeling down, he wrapped his arms around Harry. They were family and maybe it wouldn't be so bad just to spend one night there while he figured out where he was going to stay from here on out. Sirius' throat clogged when Harry leaned forward to give Sirius a very wet kiss on the cheek, his little teeth brushing across his skin.
The rest of the day, Sirius went through the motions. He built towers with Harry, he ate the dinner Lily made without even tasting the food, and he bathed Harry with a smile. He flicked water with his fingers onto Harry's belly and felt at ease when Harry cackled and splashed him with such force that water puddled on the floor around him.
"You're a menace, Harry," Sirius told him in a low and affectionate tone, his hand reaching out to grab the bit of blueberry he spotted in Harry's fringe. "And a mess. Merlin, you're the messiest kid I have ever met. Which, I guess isn't saying a lot since I don't know many kids."
"Ooooooom!" Harry chirped as he picked up the little broom bath toy and held it up for Sirius to see.
Sirius forced a smile on his lips as he grabbed the shampoo and started to wash his godson. After bath, he sat on the floor by Harry's little kitchen set and pretended to eat the pretend food that Harry shoved into his face. They shared a pretend tart together as Harry bit the plastic food before trying to shove the spit-covered thing into Sirius' mouth.
When Lily took Harry upstairs in his Falmouth Falcons pajamas with a bottle, Sirius retreated to the guest bedroom. Casting a few privacy charms, he collapsed onto the bed and listened to Harry's music box playing next door.
His throat clogged, his vision becoming blurry. His shoulders shook, sobs strangling in his throat. The emotions of the day ripped through him, making his body physically ache. His heart ached so much that he didn't know what to do with himself.
The door to Harry's bedroom snapped shut as footsteps shuffled outside of his room. He screwed his eyes shut and hoped his best friends would just leave him alone. He didn't want to talk, didn't want to force a smile on his lips, didn't want to appear that he was all right when he was slowly crumbling and dying.
"I'm worried about him, James," Lily said in a hushed whisper. "He didn't speak all afternoon. He was so… so… well, so emotionless. It was downright scary."
"That's Walburga's doing," James replied, venom dripping from his words. "Fucking bitch she is. I've never wanted to hurt someone more than I wanted to hurt her. My mum nearly hexed her one time, but my dad stopped her before she could reach her wand."
Sirius' breathing came out in harsh huffs.
Just fucking leave. Leave me be, Sirius thought as he dug his palms into his eyes and watched the kaleidoscope of colors dance across his eyelids.
"James, that's not normal," Lily worried.
"Nothing about the Black upbringing was normal, Lily," James muttered in a dark tone. "This is normal for him. He shuts down. I've seen it before."
"James…"
James sighed. "He'll be all right. He just needs some space. We need to give him that, but I also want him here to keep an eye on him."
Sirius shook his head, his lips drawing in a thin line. Didn't they know he wasn't fucking deaf?
"Will he… James, will he hurt himself?" Lily asked, fear evident in her voice.
"No, no, Lil, no. He won't hurt himself," James replied in a confident voice. "I'm more afraid of him going out and being stupidly brave and thinking he could take out a group of Death Eaters alone."
James wasn't wrong because that was exactly what Sirius wanted to do. He wanted to torture Death Eaters for information and find out exactly whose wand had ended Marlene's life. Then, he wanted to fucking destroy them.
The footsteps shuffled down the hall and a door closed. Sirius sighed in relief that they had gone to bed themselves. Sirius propped himself up on his elbow and punched his pillow a few times before he collapsed down onto his side. His eyes closed and his dreams were filled with murder and revenge.
Peter stared at Bellatrix as she sat across from him. She rubbed her hand up her thigh, dragging her skirt with it. Her milky thighs parted and Peter found himself staring, hoping to catch a glimpse of her knickers. He twitched, his hips rising and falling as though they had a mind of their own. A little further, just a tiny bit further. He bet she would have black lace. She was rather fond of black lace.
Something smacked him across the back of the head, causing him to see stars. He winced, his hand holding the back of his head. Air hissed out between his clenched teeth as Rodolphus rounded the chair and took a seat next to Bellatrix. Peter narrowed his eyes as Rodolphus looked over at her with hooded eyes and a sneer on his lips. He didn't appreciate Bellatrix the way she deserved.
"Stop being a slag, Bella," Rodolphus snapped, his hand fixing her skirt.
Bellatrix didn't seem bothered, but Peter fumed. Where did he get off? He scored one of the most beautiful witches that Peter had ever laid eyes on and he treated her like dirt. His hand twitched for his wand, but he stopped himself. No, he was being irrational like Sirius. He needed to be patient and bide his time. He'd get his revenge eventually.
Bellatrix winked at Peter, her ruby lips curving up. "Shall we go practice?"
Peter gulped. "Yes, mistress."
Rodolphus chuckled as Peter rose from his seat, eager to be alone with Bellatrix once more. He fixed his hair, brushing the fringe to the side as he watched Bellatrix rise slowly from the sofa like a graceful flower sprouting its petals. She was elegant, enchanting. Peter only found himself craving her more and more. Mary no longer held a candle to Bellatrix. In fact, he couldn't help but be disappointed that Mary lay next to him night after night instead of Bellatrix.
He followed Bellatrix dutifully, her hips swaying from side to side. Her black curls bounced as she walked, so long and luxurious. The urge to run his fingers through her silky hair was undeniable, but he didn't dare touch her without permission. He had witnessed Crouch's hand brushing against her bum once and she had him howling on the floor with boils covering his body in less than five seconds.
She turned to look at him, her lowcut dress showing off her abundant cleavage. Peter swallowed, his palms sweating. He wondered what lesson Bellatrix would teach him today. His chest heaved as he stared into her gray eyes nearly twinkling.
"Tell me about the funeral," Bellatrix commanded, her voice smooth like molasses and clinging to Peter's slick skin.
"Sirius was devastated," Peter spoke in a hushed whisper. "You should have seen him. He didn't speak the entire time there. Lily Potter was there, wouldn't leave his side."
Bellatrix arched an eyebrow. "The boy?"
Peter shook his head. "N-no, the boy wasn't there. James wasn't either."
Bellatrix clicked her tongue. "Pity, you would have been revered as a hero to the Dark Lord if you had seen the boy in public."
"I will get the boy, mistress, I promise," Peter said in a rush. "I want the Dark Lord to, to see that I'm worthy."
Bellatrix cocked her head to the side, the corners of her lips falling, as her left arm raised with her long fingers wrapped around her wand. "I'm sorry I have to do this, but you failed once more to bring the Dark Lord the boy. Crucio!"
Peter fell to the floor as thousands of hot knives pierced his body. He withered and squirmed, sweat breaking out all over his body. His throat cracked in half as black formed in front of his eyes. Then… there was nothing.
His head swam, his lungs gasping for breath. He fought his way to the surface, his ears ringing. Gray eyes appeared above him. Bellatrix smirked down at him, her pointy and long fingernail scraping across his cheek and leaving it stinging. He felt blood pour out of a cut. His chest heaved as Bellatrix leaned down, her tongue pressing against the wound. Peter nearly exploded in his trousers when he saw his blood on her lips.
"You like me, don't you?" Bellatrix whispered, her voice husky and wonton as her finger wiped the blood off her lip.
"I like you very much, mi-mistress," Peter replied, his fingers curling into fists by his side.
Bellatrix hiked up her skirt and straddled him. Peter was very careful not to move, his breath coming out in harsh huffs. He had fantasized about this exact moment more times than he could even count. With a tight hand around his cock, he had imagined her riding him and declaring her love for him. Her black hair cascading down her naked breasts. Peter held his breath and he clenched.
"Then prove it," Bellatrix hissed, her nails suddenly digging into his cheeks. "Serve the Potter boy on a nice silver platter for the Dark Lord and prove that you'll do anything for him… for me."
Peter gulped. "I will. I-I will bring you the boy."
Bellatrix tightened her grip on his face and Peter felt water spring to his eyes. "I'm tired of waiting."
"May… May I touch you?" Peter gasped out, his brain foggy as he fought to keep his hands at his side, his cocked throbbing painfully.
Bellatrix sniggered, her eyes narrowing at him. "Do you think you deserve the right to touch me?"
Peter gulped. "N-no."
"No, you don't," Bellatrix echoed in a mocking tone. "You belong to me. I don't let my pets touch me without earning it."
Pet.
Peter cleared his throat. He rather liked being Bellatrix's pet. The way she teased him, praised him, hurt him… he had never known anything so wonderful before. He felt like he was truly seeing for the first time as his world burst wide open with endless possibilities. He would do anything for Bellatrix. She just needed to ask.
"Tell me something useful," Bellatrix commanded as he eased her grip on his cheeks.
Peter licked his lips. "I… I overheard Fabian and Gideon Prewett at the McKinnons' funeral. They were whispering about how they, they have guard duty over at Lucius Malfoy's Wiltshire home this weekend. Sirius is supposed to go with them but they decided not to have him go after, well, after everything with Marlene. They thought he deserved some time to grieve. They heard whispers that the Dark Lord would be making an appearance there."
Bellatrix's eyes flashed, her nostrils flaring. "Who told them that?"
A bead of sweat slipped down Peter's cheek. "Dum-Dumbledore has a spy. They don't, they don't attend meetings. I've never met them."
Bellatrix pulled her arm back, her palm connecting with the side of his face and leaving his cheek stinging. He shuddered as he looked up at her, his body trembling. "I want the name of the spy."
"Yes, yes, mistress," Peter gasped.
"I want more information on the guard duty," Bellatrix spat. "Those filthy blood traitors will not live to see another week. Do you understand me?"
Peter nodded with wide eyes. "Yes, mistress. I pro-promise. They will not see another week."
Bellatrix eased off him and Peter let out a huff of air. Her heels clicked on the stone floor as she disappeared from the room. Peter was left alone on the hard cold floor. A shaky hand reached up to touch his throbbing face. The slick feeling of blood coated his palm. He bit his lip. He would find out more information for Bellatrix. He would prove to her that he was a far better companion to her than Rodolphus. He would show her just how useful and wonderful he could be.
Sirius kept his head down but his eyes glued onto Rabastan Lestrange as he followed him through Malefic Way. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that the Lestranges had all been at the McKinnons that fateful night. Sirius wanted revenge, he wanted the Lestranges' blood on his hands. He wanted to see the life leave Bellatrix's twisted fucking face. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, he leaned against a brick building and watched as Rabastan entered a seedy apothecary.
Looking down at the watch that Euphemia Potter bought him for his seventeenth birthday, the numbers blurred into the constellations on the face of the watch. Sirius couldn't remember the last time he had actually laid down and slept. He had been followed Rodolphus all yesterday, staked out the Lestrange manor all night, and then had followed Rabastan all morning. Squinting at the numbers, he noted it was one in the afternoon. Sirius couldn't help but wonder if Rabastan was leading him on a mindless trek because he knew he was being followed.
Glancing back at the apothecary, Sirius spotted Rabastan's dark hair through the window. Except, something caught Sirius' attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head to see a familiar sandy-haired male walking between the apothecary and the artifacts shop, his back hunched and the collar to his Mackintosh coat popped. But Sirius would know that figure from anywhere.
Anger boiled to a breaking point in Sirius as he abandoned his mission and made his way towards Remus Lupin to follow him down the dark alley. Without thinking, without so much as a word between them, Sirius flung his arms out and pushed Remus further into the alleyway so no one would see them. Remus stumbled, his hand reaching for his wand. Except Sirius wasn't interested in a duel. He wanted his fist to pummel Remus' face and feel the blood pool between his knuckles.
In a swift movement, Sirius grabbed Remus' wrist as he pushed him up against a weathered brick building. Slamming his wrist into the brick, Remus' wand fell from his fingertips. The two friends, or whatever they were to each other, stared at one another with their chests heaving.
"What are you doing?" Remus hissed.
"What are you doing in Malefic Way?" Sirius pressed, not easing his grip on Remus' wrist.
Remus narrowed his eyes. "I could ask you the same exact thing."
"Don't play coy with me, Remus," Sirius snapped.
Remus laughed, bitterness clear in his voice. "Fuck you, Sirius. Is this how it's going to be now?"
"You're the one lurking about here of all places," Sirius said as he gave Remus one final push for good measure before he stepped back. "Where were you the night Marlene died?"
Remus blinked as his left hand massaged his right wrist. "You think… Marlene is… she was my friend!"
"Then tell me why she had a picture of all of us and circled your face in her blood," Sirius challenged. "And wrote backstabber underneath it."
Remus had the audacity to look confused, which only made Sirius want to punch him all the more. "What?"
"I'll ask you again, where the fuck were you the night Marlene died?" Sirius asked through gritted teeth.
Remus' chest heaved. "At home."
"Convenient, isn't it?" Sirius snapped. "Alone, I presume?"
Remus shook his head, his face pale as he spoke in a bitter tone, "I was with Dorcas."
Sirius let out a huff of disbelief. He knew all about Dorcas and Remus' fuck buddy situation they had going on. Everyone in the bloody Order of the Phoenix knew that he had his prick in her more often than not. His convenient little alibi. She was so fucking over the moon in love with him that she wouldn't even notice what time he showed up at her flat to shove his cock in her. It proved nothing, especially because Sirius knew damn well that Remus only saw her as a convenience and not as girlfriend material.
"Where were you, Sirius?" Remus bit out.
Sirius squared his jaw as he pulled back his left arm and took a swing at Remus, blinded by anger and running on pure adrenaline. When his knuckles collided with Remus' jaw, a sick satisfaction filled him. Remus' face smacked into the brick wall behind him, blood immediately pooling from his mouth and nose. Sirius heaved as he stumbled back, his body quaking. As though in slow motion, Remus turned to face him, his amber eyes wide as he stared at Sirius as though he had never seen anything like him before.
In a beat, before Sirius could even register that Remus had moved, Remus lunged at him and tackled him to the ground. Sirius' head smashed against the cracked and broken concrete as stars flooded his vision. Remus straddled him, and Sirius could feel a drop of blood mixed with spit hit his forehead. Sirius squirmed underneath Remus but couldn't escape before Remus' fist drove into his face not once or twice, but three times.
In an instant, Sirius felt the weight of Remus ease off his chest as he rolled onto the concrete next to him. Sirius rolled onto his side, propping himself up on his elbow, as he gathered the blood in his mouth. He spat it out right next to Remus' head, missing him by mere millimeters.
Remus' chest heaved. "Fuck you, Sirius."
"No, fuck you," Sirius replied as he struggled to stand up, his body swaying.
Sirius wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, smearing blood all over it. He glanced down at Remus to see him not moving.
"I didn't kill Marlene," Remus whispered, his voice strained.
"Yeah, well, neither did I," Sirius snapped.
Remus' eyes grew misty and Sirius could hear him breathing. "I'm sorry, Sirius. I know you loved her."
Sirius let out a humorless laugh. "Fuck off, Remus."
Brushing the dirt off his clothes, he stormed out of the alleyway. He couldn't prove that Remus was the spy, but Sirius didn't trust him as far as he could throw him. Remus was up to something and keeping secrets. Sirius was determined to figure out what exactly Remus had been up to.
James sighed, carding a frustrated hand through his hair. Harry sat in his high chair as he happily munched on smashed up blueberries. Giving James a toothy grin, Harry carefully curled his fingers around the hands of his sippy cup and brought it to his mouth. James forced a smile on his lips, but his mind was elsewhere.
A rustling sounded behind James and he turned around to see Sirius entering the room with a busted lip and a fresh shiner gracing his left cheek. Sirius nodded in James' direction for a brief moment before he focused his attention on Harry. James leaned back in his chair as Sirius crossed the room and grabbed a chair from the table to drag it over next to James. He sat down, his elbows propping up on his knees as he leaned towards the high chair.
"Can I have one?" Sirius asked before holding his mouth open.
Harry obliged, his little fingers shoving the smashed blueberry into Sirius' mouth. Sirius mumbled his thanks as he leaned back in the chair, his gaze refusing to look at James.
"Don't you look handsome with your fresh bruises," James said in a dry tone. "Finding a lot of trouble lately?"
Sirius shrugged, his eyes dropping just slightly. "Trouble usually finds me."
James snorted. "What happened, Sirius?"
Sirius' jaw clenched as he turned to look at James. "Remus and I got in a little tiff."
"A little tiff? It certainly looks like a major tiff by the way your face looks," James commented, his eyebrows raising above his glasses. "About what?"
Sirius winced. "Him killing Marlene."
James exhaled, his eyes sliding closed. Pushing his glasses up, he pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He knew Remus and Sirius' relationship had been slowly deteriorating over the past few months as mistrust sowed its ugly head when Order members started dying at an alarming rate. Except they were at war and war had casualties. There may be a spy in the Order, but James refused to believe it was Sirius, Remus, or even Peter. They were his brothers and they fought like brothers. Nothing could break the bond between the four of them. James only wished everyone else could see it the way he did.
"Remus didn't kill Marlene," James said in a calm tone as he righted his glasses.
Sirius nodded, his lips pursing. "Yeah, well, someone did."
"Remus isn't a killer," James pointed out.
"There was a picture that Moody found in the house," Sirius started, his voice strained. "A picture of all of us. In her dying moments, Marlene drew a circle in her blood and wrote backstabber on the picture. The circle was around Peter and Remus."
James' face pinched. "You think she meant to circle Remus?"
Sirius let out a bitter laugh. "You think it was Peter? He's so fucking pathetic, like he could actually murder someone. He'd pee his pants before he could actually get the words out."
"You don't give Peter enough credit," James replied. "He just needs a little time and encouragement."
Sirius snorted as he accepted another blueberry from Harry's wet and sticky fingers. "To what? Commit murder? You think Peter is the backstabber?"
"No, I don't believe any of my brothers are backstabbers," James replied. "I don't think Peter killed Marlene nor do I believe that Remus killed Marlene. Our bond is too strong for that."
"No offense, James, but sometimes you're an even bigger moron than Peter," Sirius said.
James shot him a look as he stood up and crossed the kitchen to grab the baby wipes on the counter. He cleaned off Harry's face and hands, wincing at the blueberry stains on his onesie. He wiped at his clothes with a baby wipe as well, but it did nothing to improve upon the purple stains. Lily knew a few good spells to use to salvage the clothes, so he would leave it up to her. With a dirty wipe, he cleaned up the few smashed blueberries off the tray.
When he went to toss the mess in the bin, Sirius was already up and hauling Harry into his arms. Harry's fingers touched the bruise on Sirius' cheek. Sirius winced at the touch, his fingers wrapping around Harry's wrist and tugging it away from his face.
"Don't touch that, mate," Sirius told him. "It hurts. Ow."
Harry cocked his head to the side and brought up his other hand to touch the split in Sirius' lip. A sigh escaped Sirius as he allowed Harry to mess with his mouth, his brows lowering on his face.
"I think we all need to sit down and have a chat," James said with a sigh. "I'm tired of you and Remus fighting."
"I'm not interested in having any chats, Prongs," Sirius replied. "I know what I know."
James scowled. "Sirius."
"Harry, stop, my lips hurts," Sirius commented as he pulled his head away from Harry's prying fingers and turned towards James. "Remus isn't around anymore. He keeps disappearing for days at a time. He misses more Order meetings than anyone else. He's quiet and secretive."
"What else is new?" James demanded. "Remus has always missed events because of his furry little problem! He's always been annoyingly quiet and secretive!"
Sirius frowned. "This is different."
James shook his head, his finger pointing at Sirius. "You're just bloody paranoid."
Sirius pressed a kiss onto Harry's forehead before he lowered the toddler to the floor. James frowned.
"I have to go," Sirius announced.
"You just got here," James pointed out.
"Yeah, well, I forgot I have an appointment," Sirius replied as he reached down to ruffle Harry's hair. "See you later, mate."
James crossed his arms over his chest. "Sirius, can we please have an adult conversation about this?"
Harry whined, his arms reaching up to be picked back up. Sirius crouched down and pulled Harry into a hug instead.
"I'm feeling rather immature at the moment," Sirius said in a cheery tone. "I don't fancy having a conversation about our lying friend."
"Merlin, Sirius! What is wrong with you?" James blurted out. "Remus is our brother!"
Sirius didn't look at James but instead pressed his forehead against Harry's. "I don't have the same unwavering faith in people that you do, James. People are vile and liars and in it for themselves. The sooner you realize that not everyone has good intentions, the better off you'll be."
James heaved a sigh. He watched Sirius and Harry cuddling on the kitchen floor. The bond between the two of them was more amazing than James could ever put into words. James only hoped that Harry would take after him and not Sirius when it came to having faith in humanity. James had to believe that the four of them were brothers and loyal until the very end. Because if he couldn't trust the wizards he had formed a family with, then who the ruddy hell could he trust? Everyone needed a network of trusted individuals. James trusted Lily, Sirius, Remus, and Peter implicitly and without reservation.
Sirius cupped Harry's face. "I have to go. I love you."
Harry beamed up at him, a string of babbles escaping his lips.
Without another word, Sirius rose from the floor and made his way out of the kitchen. James didn't bother to call out for him or try to stop him. He knew Sirius better than anyone and knew that there was no reasoning with a moody Sirius. Harry bounced before he toddled over to James, his arms reaching out to be picked up. James hoisted the small child into his arms, feeling comforted when Harry's arms wrapped around his neck to snuggle close to him. Carding a hand through his son's hair, he pressed his lips onto Harry's unruly head.
"I love you, Harry," James murmured.
Harry only played with the collar of his shirt. James carried Harry out to the parlor and sat him down next to the large yellow and plastic Muggle play kitchen set that Lily had bought for Harry's first birthday. Harry opened the little fridge and started throwing out all of the food. James tried to play with his son, but his mind kept trying to figure out how he could fix the splintered friendship of the Marauders.
It had been a bloodbath. Peter cowered behind a bush, his entire body trembling as spells rocketed through the sky like fireworks. Blood stained the grass, the peacocks let out high-pitched shrills, and the Prewett twins were outnumbered two to fifteen. Even being so outnumbered, Peter watched in horror as Nott dropped to the ground followed by Macnair. Peter didn't know if they were dead or just incapacitated.
Peter's chest heaved as his eyes sought out Bellatrix. She danced around the flying lights, her face alight with mirth as she flicked her wrist to and fro. A spell rushed past the bushes where he hid, his hair flying off his forehead at the force of the spell. He told himself to get up and help fight. It's what would impress Bellatrix after all. She would see he was worthy of her praise and attention.
Swallowing, Peter jumped out from his hiding place and slashed his wand, a slicing spell hitting Gideon's back and causing him to fall to the ground. Bellatrix squealed and took Fabian's momentary stumble as an opportunity. When Bellatrix's muddy red spell connected with Fabian's chest, his body froze before all of the veins in his body burst open. The blood splattered all over Bellatrix and coated her ashen features. It was the same spell that had killed Matthew McKinnon. Peter swallowed at the sheer force of her spells.
Bellatrix took a few steps forward, her feet planted on either side of Gideon. She sneered down at him, her wand pointed at his chest. Gideon's chest heaved, his head turning and his eyes widening at the dead body of his twin.
"Pathetic," Bellatrix spat. "You speak so brazenly in public about your little plans. So trusting. So naive."
"You… won't… win," Gideon gasped out before he coughed, blood spluttering from his mouth.
Bellatrix bent down. "Who did you think the spy was?"
Gideon didn't speak, his eyes glancing around the garden. Peter stepped forward out of the shadows, his wand at his side. He wanted to be known as the traitor, to look the dying Order members in the eyes as they took their final breath. He had earned it after scoring a few good betrayals under his belt.
He thought back to his first kill as he had hurled the green light at Benjy. He had never felt so powerful before in his life. It was as though something had snapped into place and he had found some piece that had been missing his entire life.
"Peter…" Gideon trailed off, his brows furrowing.
"You started it… finish it," Bellatrix hissed.
Peter raised his wand, a smirk dancing across his face, as he pointed his wand at Gideon. "Avada Kedavra!"
Green lit up the front garden of Malfoy Manor. Peter's entire body tingled, the blood rushing through his veins. He felt invincible. Untouchable. Powerful. He grinned up at Bellatrix to see her not even looking at him. No, she was standing close to Rodolphus, the two sharing a moment together as they laughed. Peter's mood immediately deflated.
They dumped the bodies of the Prewetts outside of the entrance of the small wizarding village of Cantrip Cove near Boscastle. Peter didn't have a chance to talk to Bellatrix as she had disappeared as soon as the bodies were deposited. So, Peter went home to Mary.
She was sleeping when he arrived. He noticed blood on his jacket and quickly took it off and laid it on the sink in the bathroom. He pressed his wand against the stain and muttered a spell under his breath, but he had never been the best at cleaning spells. The stain only faded in color but it was still there. Peter chewed on his bottom lip, worrying that Dumbledore would be able to tell it was one of the Prewett brothers' blood. He'd have to dispose of it just in case.
"Petey?" Mary called.
Peter turned around, his body blocking the bloody jacket. He smiled at her.
"Mary!" Peter squeaked. "I'm sorry. Did I, did I wake you?"
Mary shook her head and wrapped the dressing gown tighter around her body. "I was waiting up for you. Where were you?"
"Order mission," Peter lied, wiping the sweat on his forehead away with the back of his hand. "Tailing the Lestrange brothers. I lost them though. I think they knew I was following them."
Mary frowned. "You've been gone a lot lately."
Peter shrugged. "Well, the Order is stretched thin, Mar! Benjy is dead. Marlene and Matthew and their parents are gone. James and Lily are out of commission. Remus he, well, Sirius thinks Remus is a spy because he's never at meetings and always disappearing! I'm being called out more to tail Death Eaters and, what can I say? I'm just, I have to!"
Mary only nodded, her eyes searching his. Peter tried to look reassuring, but he didn't know how successful he actually was. There was a giant chasm between them now, large and gaping. Peter knew it was because of his slow-building obsession with Bellatrix Lestrange. He couldn't help it. She had awakened something in him that he hadn't known existed. He wasn't the same man he had been when he met Mary. Oddly, Peter was at peace with that.
"I'll be to bed in a bit," Peter assured. "Just going to get cleaned up."
Mary offered him a small smile as she turned and left the bathroom. Peter let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding and turned around to look at himself in the mirror. He had lost a bit of weight, his face thinner than it had ever been. He ran his fingers through his too-long blond hair and winced. Rodolphus kept his short and cropped. Perhaps, he could make his a bit neater. Licking his lips, he decided he'd stop by a barber in the morning for a new style. Now, he needed to dispose of his jacket and make his way to bed before Mary grew suspicious. Letting out a shaky breath, he picked up his jacket and tossed it in the shower. With a quick flick of his wrist, the jacket went up in flames.
James groaned as a bright lit filled his bedroom. Quirking an eye open, he saw Dumbledore's Phoenix Patronus swooping around the room. Lily buried into his side, her nose pressing uncomfortably into his ribs. Reaching for his glasses, James blinked away the sleep from his eyes. If Dumbledore was contacting him, then something had happened. Plopping his glasses on his face, he struggled to sit up as the phoenix continued to soar around his bedroom.
"James," Lily mumbled as her body collapsed into the mattress.
"Shh, sleep. It's all right," James assured her as he grabbed his wand and flicked his wrist at the Patronus. It faded and darkness surrounded them once more.
James made his way downstairs as quietly as he could, his hand carding through his unruly hair as he blindly stumbled down the stairs in the dark. He paused by the front door and looked out the side panel to see Dumbledore standing calmly underneath the street lamp in long blue robes. He looked grave as he watched the house, an unusual frown etched onto his wrinkled features. James opened the door and beaconed him inside.
As Dumbledore crossed the garden, James looked over at the clock on the wall. It was a quarter past four in the morning. They'd have to be quiet as to not to disturb Harry. He was notorious for waking up early if he heard any sort of sound and he was always ready to play no matter the hour. James stepped aside to allow Dumbledore into his home and shut the door as quietly as he could. They made their way into the parlor and James waved his wand to light up the room and cast a silencing charm so Harry wouldn't hear them before settling down on the sofa.
"What happened?" James asked, cutting off any small talk or pleasantries.
"Fabian and Gideon Prewett were ambushed in Wiltshire on their way to monitor Lucius Malfoy's estate," Dumbledore explained.
James closed his eyes. He couldn't believe it. It seemed like the Order was dropping like flies. First Benjy, then Marlene, and now the Prewett brothers? It seemed surreal. Opening his eyes, James saw Dumbledore staring at him with his hands folded in front of him.
"I've come to ask you if you know where Sirius was last night," Dumbledore began, a frown etched deep in his face.
James stilled at the question. He had no idea where Sirius had been. Ever since Marlene's death, Sirius was more distant. He came by less and less. When he did drop in, it was never for very long. From what James could tell, Sirius had been following Death Eaters nonstop and trying to figure out who had been at the McKinnons that fateful night.
"Why are you asking?" James pressed.
Dumbledore forced a soft smile on his lips. "It's very curious that Sirius has spent a lot of time with Gideon, Fabian, and Matthew. All three of them are now dead. I also heard Sirius had been living with Marlene."
James' heart hammered in his chest. "Sirius was going to ask Marlene to marry him."
Dumbledore's eyebrows raised at that bit of information. "James, I know your first instinct is to protect your friend, but Sirius has many connections to both sides in this war."
"Sirius isn't the traitor," James said in a confident voice, his body rising from the chair. "Sirius would never join Voldemort."
Dumbledore remained annoyingly calm. "I'm not suggesting that Sirius is the traitor, James."
"Then what are you suggesting?" James snapped, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses.
"I understand the Black family has used some rather… illegal methods of punishment on their children to force them into submission," Dumbledore chose his words carefully. "Your mother brought up this concern back when you and Sirius were in your second year. She had noticed some signs of abuse when Sirius visited your home that previous summer. Minerva and I, of course, kept an eye on Sirius and we went to the Ministry with Euphemia and Fleamont to report our speculations. But, as you know, the Blacks are a very old house and they are perhaps one of the richest houses in England. Nothing was done."
James shifted, his arms crossing over his chest. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I also know that Walburga and Orion have a very close connection with Lord Voldemort. You see, James, they attended school together. All three of them were in Slytherin house. Walburga and Lord Voldemort were only one year apart. The two were exceptionally close," Dumbledore explained. "There have been rumors that suggest that Walburga and Orion are single-handedly providing financial support to Lord Voldemort. Before his death, Benjy reported nearly a third of the Black wealth had disappeared mysteriously in the past five years."
James' lips spread into a thin line. He already knew all of that. Sirius had told him at only thirteen how he had dined with Lord Voldemort as he and Regulus endured a night of Muggle vilification and brainwashing. Sirius had put a smile on his face and nodded like a good Black does. Then, as soon as Lord Voldemort had left Grimmauld Place, Sirius had immediately mirror called James and begged that his parents pick him up. Fleamont had left in an instant and returned at around midnight with a trembling Sirius. The next morning had been the first of many shouting matches between Euphemia Potter and Walburga Black.
"I know all about the Black connection to Voldemort," James replied in a dry tone. "I know about Regulus and Bellatrix and Narcissa. I know about Walburga and Orion. I know about Cygnus and Druella."
Dumbledore sighed. "And has Sirius been in contact with his family? I understand he received a fair amount of gold from his uncle when he passed."
James' anger spiked. "Sirius was at my house minding Harry when Marlene died. Sirius was with Marlene in their home when Benjy died."
"And last night?" Dumbledore asked, his head cocking to the side.
"I talked to him last night and he was at home," James lied because he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Sirius was not the traitor.
"I am not singling Sirius out, James," Dumbledore said with a heavy sigh. "There is a traitor in the Order of the Phoenix. Everyone is a suspect. It is nothing personal against Sirius. He merely has more dark baggage than most, which makes him stand out."
"Sirius is nothing like his family," James declared, standing his ground.
Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you for your insight, James."
"Sirius isn't the traitor," James repeated, trying his damnedest to get his point across.
Dumbledore smiled. "I am sorry for the early morning wake-up call. I could not sleep once I had been alerted of Gideon and Fabian's deaths."
"Thank you for letting me know," James said with a curt nod.
Dumbledore closed his eyes for a few moments before he opened them. "James, just be careful who you trust. That is all I ask."
James nodded as a frown worked its way onto his face. Dumbledore saw himself out. James stood in the parlor, his hand carding through his hair. He wanted to kick something, throw something, scream. How could Dumbledore even question Sirius' loyalty? Or did Dumbledore just think that his family was controlling him?
The floors creaked and James turned to see Lily entering the parlor with Harry in her arms. The little boy sucked his thumb as he laid his head on Lily's shoulder. As soon as he saw James, his thumb slipped from his mouth and he jolted up in his mother's arms. Harry wiggled to be let down.
"Is everything all right?" Lily asked. "I saw Dumbledore leaving."
"Gideon and Fabian are dead," James explained as he crouched down to the floor just in time to catch Harry around the middle.
"Dada! Dadadada!" Harry babbled as he lifted his leg to try to climb up James.
Lily sucked in a breath, tears springing to her eyes. "How?"
"I didn't ask," James said as he hoisted Harry up in his arms. "Dumbledore was too busy asking me about Sirius' whereabouts."
Lily's brow furrowed. "What?"
Harry tapped James hard on the cheek. "Dada!"
James grabbed Harry's wrist and pulled it away from his face. "While he denied that he thinks Sirius is the traitor, he was very clear that he was suspicious of him."
"Sirius is a lot of things, but he's not a traitor," Lily said in a firm voice, her arms crossing over her chest. "Anyone who would actually take the time to get to know him would know how much he hates Dark magic and the pureblood mania. I mean, for fuck's sake, this is ridiculous."
James raised his eyebrows as he sat Harry down on the ground so he could play. "Sirius will be upset that he missed your use of a sweary word."
Lily scowled at him. "Now is not the time for jokes, Potter!"
James sighed. "Sirius has been judged his entire life because of his last name. It's revered in pureblood circles but considered untrustworthy and hated amongst others. My parents, who all but signed adoption parchments for Sirius, were even weary when I wrote them the night of the sorting and told them I had befriended a Black."
"I hate it," Lily whispered, her hand reaching up to wipe under her eye. "It's not fair. I hate how so many just judge him for no reason other than his last name is Black."
James pursed his lips. "Look at his family, Lil. Bellatrix is certifiable. Walburga is the nastiest person I have ever met in my life. Orion is downright abusive. People look at him and judge him because of his name. It's not fair but that's how the wizarding world works. The pureblood community turned their noses up at the Potters because we were too progressive in our views. Not that my dad or grandfather gave a damn, but it was a big deal apparently when Euphemia Rosier married a blood traitor like Fleamont Potter. Everyone conveniently forgot that the Potters are descended from the Peverells."
Lily rolled her eyes. "James, your pureblood is showing."
James scowled. "You know I don't give a shit about any of that tosh. I'm just explaining how the Blacks and Potters are viewed in certain circles."
Lily snorted. "If it was a big deal that a Rosier married a Potter, you must have really tarnished the Potter name marrying me."
James grinned as he closed the space between them. "I think I made the Potter name a bit better by marrying the most brilliant and beautiful witch alive."
Lily pushed him gently, her lips curving. "Shut it."
James wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "I only speak the truth, Evans."
Lily's nails raked down his stubbled cheeks. "I love you."
"I'll never grow tired of hearing that," James whispered. "I love you too."
Lily bit her bottom lip. "Do we tell Sirius that Dumbledore suspects him?"
James didn't know the answer to that as he didn't see it ending well if Sirius knew. Sirius had a 'fuck off and fuck about' attitude. James could see him giving Dumbledore the two-finger salute and leaving the Order of the Phoenix in a blaze of foul language. But Sirius needed the Order. It kept him focused and allowed him to have a purpose. James didn't want to take that away from his best mate.
"Let me have another talk with Dumbledore," James settled. "I can ease his mind about Sirius."
Lily leaned in closer to James, her forearms resting on his shoulders. "Are you sure?"
James nodded. For the first time in months, James felt like he had a purpose. He needed to figure out who the spy was in the Order of the Phoenix, not just to clear Sirius' name but to save the Order. The traitor had been accelerating their betrayals and were now getting their hands properly dirty. James would be damned if anyone else he loved died because of that wanker.
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Lily deepened the kiss, causing his entire body to tingle. James felt a little more like himself as the fog of depression and loneliness eased just a tad at the prospect of the work that lay ahead of him.
Sirius didn't think it was a good idea for James to tag along with him to Gideon and Fabian's funeral. Members of the Order of the Phoenix were dropping dead at an alarming rate and Sirius didn't fancy attending his best mate's funeral. But in the past couple of days, James seemed more like his old self. It was as though a spark had been lit underneath him and the glint in his eye had reappeared. Sirius didn't know what prompted the change, but having his old friend back seemed to brighten his dark mood.
When James insisted he attend the joint funeral with Sirius, he had been secretly glad. Sirius had grown close to the Prewett twins in the past couple of years. Matthew had introduced them and he had kicked it off quite well with them. They had been funny and the three of them had exchanged stories of pranks they had pulled at Hogwarts. Sirius felt at ease with them, like he was thrown back into simpler times as they exchanged detention stories while on stakeouts outside of Death Eater houses.
Sirius froze when he noticed a line of redheaded boys taking up the front row. The youngest boy looked just slightly older than Harry as he sat on the oldest boy's lap. Two small identical toddlers sat solemnly in their chairs, their legs swinging and their gaze staring at the two caskets through their fringe. Sirius dared to look beyond them at the caskets to see a short and plump woman holding a bundle in her arms as silent tears poured down her face. Next to her stood Arthur Weasley, his face unusually grim as he shook hands with people who greeted them before taking their seats.
Sirius leaned into James. "That's Arthur Weasley. He just joined the Order a few months ago. His wife is a Prewett."
James nodded, his eyes staring at the boys in the front row. "Are those… Gideon and Fabian didn't have kids, did they?"
Sirius shook his head. "Nah, they talked about their six nephews all the time though and how their sister was pregnant with their first girl. Guess she was born."
"Aren't the Weasleys notorious for only having boys?" James whispered.
"Yeah, Orion commented on it once. You know Arthur's mother is a Black," Sirius pointed out. "Orion and Walburga weren't pleased and blasted her off the family tree for marrying into the Weasley family. They thought the Weasley line was declining. I, personally, think they're bloody fantastic myself. Arthur is a riot."
James snorted. "Of course, you do. You're a sucker for blood traitors."
"You know there's a special place in my heart for you blood traitors," Sirius whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "Should we say hello to Arthur and, uh… Molly, I think?"
"Yeah, we should," James agreed.
The two made their way towards the caskets. Molly Weasley eyed them, her brows furrowing as they closed the space between them. Arthur smiled and nodded in their direction.
"Hello," James greeted, a warm smile on his face as he extended his hand. "My name is James Potter. I believe you know Sirius through mutual friends."
Arthur looked between them, returning James' smile. Sirius suppressed an eyeroll as the two men shook hands. There hadn't been a doubt in his mind that James and Arthur would get along.
"This is my wife, Molly," Arthur gestured towards the short redhead next to him. "Molly, you remember me telling you about Sirius Black?"
"Yes, hello," Molly said in a stiff voice, her arms securing themselves around the bundle in her arms.
Arthur reached out for Sirius' hand. "Sirius, nice to see you again."
"I wish it was under better circumstances," Sirius replied with a frown, his eyes flicking to Molly. "I'm sorry for your loss. Gideon and Fabian were outstanding wizards."
Molly sniffed. "Thank you."
Awkwardness filled the air between them. Sirius could tell Molly didn't like him because of the last name he bore, even though her own aunt had been a Black as well. Gideon, Fabian, and Sirius had shared a laugh about their family connection one night when they had followed Narcissa Malfoy around Apricity Lane.
"Ah, she's a tiny one," James commented as he peered at the small bundle in Molly's arms.
Arthur nodded, his arm wrapping around his wife's shoulders. "She's only a week old today. Born on the eleventh of August. Her name's Ginevra, but we'll call her Ginny."
Sirius smiled and peered at the baby, catching a glimpse of red hair. Sirius remembered when Harry had been that small. Now, Harry was a little maniac who was causing trouble wherever he went.
"I have a son who's a year old," James commented, his attention turning to Molly.
Molly offered him a small smile. "My youngest boy, Ron, he's seventeen months. I suppose he'll be at Hogwarts with your son."
James nodded. "I hope they're friends. Sirius has had nothing but wonderful things to say about your family. I'm just sorry I haven't had the pleasure of getting to know you all better, but… circumstances have been put in the way of that."
Molly glanced over at Arthur for a split second before she turned back to James and Sirius. "Yes, I heard you were rather… wanted by certain parties."
James smiled tightly. "I've made quite a few enemies it appears."
Sirius looked around, wondering if any prying ears were listening in on the conversation. His gaze paused on a tall woman with salt and pepper hair and looking frightening like Walburga Black. On her arm was a tall redhaired man in glasses. The woman locked eyes with Sirius, a look of pity crossing her features. There was no doubt in his mind that they were Cedrella and Septimus Weasley. He had never met Cedrella before and her name had only been spoken with disdain. She looked like she wanted to speak with Sirius, but he had no interest in talking to any of his distant relatives who had also been blasted off the family tapestry so they could exchange sob stories.
"You know, my son Harry, was supposed to be born on the eleventh of August," James said in a casual tone as Sirius turned his attention back to the group. "But he came twelve days early."
Arthur chuckle. "How ironic that your Harry and my Ginny almost shared a birthday! Molly, isn't it a small world?"
Molly nodded, her gaze dropping to the small bundle. "Ginny came on her exact due date. You know, there's an old witch's tale that says if two people share a due date, regardless if they were born on the actual date, that they are soul mates."
James grinned as he leaned forward. "My wife is a redhead. As was my mother and grandmother. Us Potters don't stand a chance against the lure of a redheaded witch."
Arthur rubbed Molly's arm. "Is the soul mate witch's tale still true if they were born a year apart?"
"It's the date, not the year, Arthur," Molly explained. "My grandmother and grandfather shared a due date three years apart. She was a day early and he a day late."
"My grandmother loved old witch's tales," James added. "She was particularly enchanted by wand lore in families."
"Fascinating," Arthur breathed. "I've never thought about that."
James nodded. "There were stories dating back centuries of lovers using each other's wands when in great peril and the wand will respond with such force and power due to the connection of its yielder. Even if the wand has never responded to the lover before, it will always respond in a life and death situation. I feel like there's something rather beautiful about that."
Sirius stuffed his hands in his robe pockets and looked down at his shoes. James had always been a soppy romantic, spewing grand tales of love since Sirius could remember. Sirius had gagged a few times at James' shoddy poetry he would write to Lily.
"Molly, Arthur," new voices joined the fray.
Sirius glanced up to see Septimus pulling Molly into a hug, his hand cupping the head of little Ginny, as he leaned down to press a kiss on her cheek. Cedrella smiled at Sirius before she greeted Arthur. Sirius and James slipped away with quick goodbyes and nice to meet yous before they found their way to seats. They made sure to sit in the middle so they were surrounded by people. Sirius only hoped that this would be his last funeral for a long while. He didn't know how many more friends he could lose.
I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter! I posted a day early since my weekend is very hectic. Don't forget to leave a review. They inspire me and motivate me to keep writing. I could use the motivation this week in order to post on time next week! It only takes an extra minute, so please be kind and drop a review.
Special thanks to Bell for editing. She's superb!