Chapter 20 – Our Friend the Death Eater
There was a knock on the door … Sirius went to answer the door … Sirius shouted, "It's Snape. He wants us both."
Remus walked to the door, frowning and said, "Well come in."
Snape, framed in the doorway by darkness and casting a long shadow onto the path outside because of the light from the hall, hissed, "I can't stay long. All I came to say is what Dumbledore told me to. I'm telling everyone in the Order."
"Then why can't we have a meeting?" Remus asked, confused. Snape sighed, his dark eyes flashing with anger. "Because, Lupin, it concerns a member of the Order and if we call a meeting and he is not invited it will cause suspicion. Peter Pettigrew is a Death Eater. I've seen him with my own eyes. The Dark Lord was ordering us to use the Cruciatus curse on him just before I was allowed to leave. I was … forced … to do so …" Snape shuddered. He composed himself almost immediately and said, "Do not let on that you know he is a Death Eater. He will continue coming to meetings, but we will discuss more pressing matters through letters."
Sirius stared at Snape. "And you expect us to believe that?"
"Actually, yes. I can show you the memory, if you like. It's in my pensive at home; I can go get it … besides, I've got a letter from Dumbledore saying that it's true – he gave me some Veritaserum to make sure I was telling the truth – "
"Snape, I'm not thick. I know what Veritaserum does. OK, I didn't get an O in potions like you, but nor did I get a T. If you remember, I got an E," Remus told him calmly. Sirius was leaning heavily on the wall, looking horrified. Remus slid an arm around his waist, ignoring Snape who was wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Are you all right?"
For a moment, Sirius didn't answer. Remus reached up and brushed his cheek. Snape took a step back. Remus sighed, about to reprimand Snape for being revolted by them – after all, he could have seen a lot worse – but Sirius cut him off, snarling, "I almost told him!"
"You almost told him what?" Snape asked coldly, a sneer curling his lip.
"The Secret, you idiot!" Sirius growled through gritted teeth. "I nearly told him where Lilly and James are!"
Snape shut his eyes, annoyance flashing across his face. "You didn't, though? Good. Just don't let your tongue slip, Black."
"Don't make it sound like I'm about to run out into the street and shout it to the world!"
"Why not? It's the sort of action that's just about the level of stupidity you normally sink to!"
Sirius growled, but Remus grabbed his arm and said loudly, "That's enough! Both of you. Stop acting like children."
"I will if he does."
"Sirius, shut up," Remus ordered calmly, watching the expression of vein-popping annoyance fade from Snape's face. Sirius shut up. Snape paused for a moment then continued, "Dumbledore thinks he may have been responsible for the attack on the Opera House, since the Potters were there and no other wizards were – apart from you two, Pettigrew and the attacker."
Remus asked, "Why did he warn them, then? Why did he tell them about Voldemort wanting them dead at their wedding?"
Snape flinched at the name, but otherwise kept his composure. Sirius replied for him. "Maybe there is a little decency left in him. Maybe he used the last shreds of it to warm them. It's probably why he was asking so many questions last night …"
"Peter was here? Why?" Remus asked.
Sirius shrugged "I needed help with the cleaning and I didn't particularly want Jorja or Cassandra around, picking at my tidying. And Yasmin has the same method of cleaning up as me – shove it in a drawer and forget it. He was asking about whether we'd done the spell yet."
"You told him what?" Snape asked, his voice harsh and – surprisingly – worried.
"I told him we hadn't. He wanted to know what part of the country and about any other spells James was going to put up. The whole thing was bizarre – I mean, I didn't suspect him, but he was asking so much and he was looking at me like I was dead on my feet… so I told him I was tired and he left. But it can't be true, can it?"
"The Death Eaters were cursing him because he had failed to become the Potters' secret keeper."
"Oh."
"Oh indeed. I would advise you to protect this house. They will know you are the Secret Keeper, so … well, let's just say the Dark Lord wants them dead at all costs. You're in danger too. Now, however, I must go. I have to tell the others beside you yet."
He apparated before either of them could stop him – not that they wanted to. Remus shut the door slowly and whistled. "Do you believe him?"
"Peter's been avoiding us lately – and he's been really quiet at the Order."
"And he was questioning you about Lilly and James the other night …"
Sirius sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I don't know who to trust any more, Remmie … I'm scared …"
Remus pulled him into a hug. "You can always trust me. Remember that."
Sirius swallowed. "I know …"
"I love you. You know that, too, don't you?"
"That's the one thing I can never doubt. I love you more …" Sirius replied, leaning his head onto Remus' shoulder. The werewolf laughed softly, leaning his head against Sirius'. They stood like that for a long while, simply enjoying being close.
The next morning, Remus woke up and looked over at Sirius, who was still sleeping. He whispered, "You're so peaceful when you're asleep."
The animagus muttered something and wriggled further down under the covers. Remus gently kissed Sirius' cheek and said, "Wake up. It's morning."
Sirius stirred, but didn't wake; instead he rolled over onto his side away from Remus and pulled the covers over his head. Remus hauled them back and said, smiling, "Sirius, get up. You can't have a lie in or you won't be able to go to sleep tonight. Come on, Siri!"
Sirius screwed his eyes tight shut and muttered, "Go away!"
Remus pulled him onto his back and rolled over on top of him and said, "Sirius, I know you're awake. Stop messing about. Come on, you said you'd visit Lilly and James this morning."
Sirius cracked open one eye. "Can't a man get any sleep around here?"
Remus smiled and leant down to kiss him. "You promised. And it's nearly ten already."
Sirius pushed the werewolf off and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He swung his legs out of bed and turned back to Remus, who was still lying under the blankets looking incredibly comfortable. "And what about you?"
"Oh, I'm not well. Doctors' orders to stay in bed and get lots of rest for a few days."
Sirius scowled at him, but still got up and went into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and got in, cursing self-righteous werewolves, doctors who advised lots of rest and best friends who needed visiting on a Sunday morning.
Sirius decided that if he had anything to do with it, there wouldn't BE any 'morning' on Sundays. The day would begin around one in the afternoon. He shut his eyes, ducking his head under the hot water and running his fingers into his hair.
Suddenly, he felt cool fingers massaging his shoulders. Remus. "Don't be mad at me."
Sirius smiled, turning around. "I'm not mad at you. I just hate getting up so early."
"You call this early?"
"For a Sunday, yeah," Sirius replied, pulling Remus further under the shower with him. "Don't look at me like that. I'm just not a morning person."
"I don't mind," Remus smiled, linking his hands behind Sirius' back. Sirius smiled back, running his fingertips up and down Remus' spine, making the werewolf shudder. Remus stepped closer, tugging Sirius forwards at the same time. Sirius' fingers moved to Remus hair, his lips descending to cover the werewolf's. Remus snuggled closer, crushing his body against Sirius'. The animagus whimpered. There was no ignoring the fact both he and Remus were hard now.
He thrust his hips forwards at the same moment at Remus did. They groaned in unison, their hands suddenly fumbling to touch as much of each other's wet skin as possible. Remus' hands found Sirius' cock and started to stroke. Sirius moaned, his fingers automatically moving to Remus', and within seconds they had both lost themselves in the bliss of each other's touch.
"Now you've not got time for a proper breakfast," Remus whined, ten minutes later. Sirius grabbed his toast out of the toaster and took a bite of one slice while buttering the other.
"Whose fault is that? I didn't ask for some company in the shower. Remus, don't look at me like that; I wasn't complaining! Please don't go into a huff."
"I do not go into huffs! I'm just worried about you …"
"Stop fussing; I'll live. I'll beg something from Lilly," Sirius replied, his mouth full. Remus shook his head and kissed Sirius' cheek. Sirius swallowed the toast and wrapped his arms around Remus, careful not to get either melted butter or toast crumbs on his back. "Is that all I get?"
Remus smiled and kissed Sirius properly. Within second, the kiss had become deep and their tongues were fighting for supremacy. Finally, Remus pulled back. "Now get lost before they start to worry. And don't forget to tell them about Peter!"
Sirius nodded resignedly, waved to Remus and apparated. The werewolf slumped down at the table and sighed. Sirius never listened. He never paid attention. It drove Remus around the bend.
God, Sirius had the knack of driving him mad down to an art form. And the thing was, the really annoying thing was, he also had the way of looking at Remus with those big sorrowful eyes, giving him that look he couldn't resist; he'd be forgiven in an instant.
And they'd end up sprawled on the couch together listening to the Muggle radio or watching TV, exchanging increasingly heated kisses and touches until one of them (usually Remus) decided it was about time they went upstairs.
Remus smiled. Yes, Sirius would always be forgiven. The werewolf suddenly laughed. Before even getting angry he had forgiven Sirius for not listening.
James jumped when Sirius apparated in the hall. He popped his head around the kitchen door and yelled, "What'd you have to scare me like that for!"
"Sorry! You're the one who wanted the visit! God, I can't do anything right!" Sirius complained, going into the kitchen and slumping down in a chair, his arms folded, a petulant look on his face. James sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I just thought it was Voldemort come after us."
"You thought I'd give you up?"
James smiled and shook his head. Sirius smiled back. "Where's Lilly?"
"In the bedroom. She's not feeling too well."
"Really? What a shame," Sirius said cheerfully, picking up a packet of cornflakes off the table and pouring himself some into James' bowl. James complained, "Hey, that bowl's mine!"
Sirius muttered an insincere apology and continued eating. James got out another bowl and sat down opposite. He poured himself some breakfast and started to eat quickly. "Had an argument with Moony and had to make a break for it before he started throwing things, did you?"
"No," Sirius said, glaring at James. "I didn't have time for a proper breakfast is all."
"Tired? Did Remus keep you up all night?"
"Don't be crass, Prongs! I was tired, yes."
"Why?"
"You don't seriously expect me to answer that," Sirius commented. James nodded. Sirius scowled. "Right, I'm changing the subject now. Did you see much of Peter before you were locked up here?"
"No … well, he dropped in a couple of times at the old place, asking what we were doing to protect the house."
"Did you tell him anything," Sirius asked sharply, leaning forwards. James shook his head, frowning. Sirius sighed in relief and continued, "Thank the Lord. He's a Death Eater, James."
"What?" James laughed. "Are you mad, Padfoot? Wormtail? A Death Eater? Don't make me laugh! He doesn't have the brain or the courage!"
Sirius growled, "Snape came round last night to tell us. He was supposed to become your Secret Keeper so he could sell you to Voldemort. James, I know I've always hated Snape, but Dumbledore believes him and … this time I have to as well. Peter came around a couple of days ago to help me tidy up and he was asking loads of questions – about you and Lilly."
"So? Maybe he was just worried."
"Maybe he knows they're going to come after me. He was staring at me like I was dying, Jim. He knows Voldemort's going to try and kill me for information about you," Sirius explained as calmly as he could. Suddenly he didn't feel like finishing his bowl of cereal. James too put down his spoon.
"Sirius, I – "
"I'm not going to do anything stupid, but I am not telling him where you are."
"Promise you won't put yourself in deliberate danger?"
"I promise. Why would I do something that stupid, anyway? Really don't answer that or I may have to hurt you. Do you believe me? About Peter?"
"Ye-es. I mean, why would you lie to me? But … It's just so unlikely …"
"I know. I don't like it either. But … it's too risky to not believe Snape right now."
James nodded. "I'd better go tell Lilly, hadn't I?"
Sirius nodded, picking up his spoon again to finish his breakfast.
(A/N: Review, please. It makes me feel better. I just had the most boring day EVER and it will cheer me up! I know it's a load of rubbish – I don't deny it – but please try not to be harsh. I had to let everyone know about Peter SOMEHOW!)
There was a knock on the door … Sirius went to answer the door … Sirius shouted, "It's Snape. He wants us both."
Remus walked to the door, frowning and said, "Well come in."
Snape, framed in the doorway by darkness and casting a long shadow onto the path outside because of the light from the hall, hissed, "I can't stay long. All I came to say is what Dumbledore told me to. I'm telling everyone in the Order."
"Then why can't we have a meeting?" Remus asked, confused. Snape sighed, his dark eyes flashing with anger. "Because, Lupin, it concerns a member of the Order and if we call a meeting and he is not invited it will cause suspicion. Peter Pettigrew is a Death Eater. I've seen him with my own eyes. The Dark Lord was ordering us to use the Cruciatus curse on him just before I was allowed to leave. I was … forced … to do so …" Snape shuddered. He composed himself almost immediately and said, "Do not let on that you know he is a Death Eater. He will continue coming to meetings, but we will discuss more pressing matters through letters."
Sirius stared at Snape. "And you expect us to believe that?"
"Actually, yes. I can show you the memory, if you like. It's in my pensive at home; I can go get it … besides, I've got a letter from Dumbledore saying that it's true – he gave me some Veritaserum to make sure I was telling the truth – "
"Snape, I'm not thick. I know what Veritaserum does. OK, I didn't get an O in potions like you, but nor did I get a T. If you remember, I got an E," Remus told him calmly. Sirius was leaning heavily on the wall, looking horrified. Remus slid an arm around his waist, ignoring Snape who was wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Are you all right?"
For a moment, Sirius didn't answer. Remus reached up and brushed his cheek. Snape took a step back. Remus sighed, about to reprimand Snape for being revolted by them – after all, he could have seen a lot worse – but Sirius cut him off, snarling, "I almost told him!"
"You almost told him what?" Snape asked coldly, a sneer curling his lip.
"The Secret, you idiot!" Sirius growled through gritted teeth. "I nearly told him where Lilly and James are!"
Snape shut his eyes, annoyance flashing across his face. "You didn't, though? Good. Just don't let your tongue slip, Black."
"Don't make it sound like I'm about to run out into the street and shout it to the world!"
"Why not? It's the sort of action that's just about the level of stupidity you normally sink to!"
Sirius growled, but Remus grabbed his arm and said loudly, "That's enough! Both of you. Stop acting like children."
"I will if he does."
"Sirius, shut up," Remus ordered calmly, watching the expression of vein-popping annoyance fade from Snape's face. Sirius shut up. Snape paused for a moment then continued, "Dumbledore thinks he may have been responsible for the attack on the Opera House, since the Potters were there and no other wizards were – apart from you two, Pettigrew and the attacker."
Remus asked, "Why did he warn them, then? Why did he tell them about Voldemort wanting them dead at their wedding?"
Snape flinched at the name, but otherwise kept his composure. Sirius replied for him. "Maybe there is a little decency left in him. Maybe he used the last shreds of it to warm them. It's probably why he was asking so many questions last night …"
"Peter was here? Why?" Remus asked.
Sirius shrugged "I needed help with the cleaning and I didn't particularly want Jorja or Cassandra around, picking at my tidying. And Yasmin has the same method of cleaning up as me – shove it in a drawer and forget it. He was asking about whether we'd done the spell yet."
"You told him what?" Snape asked, his voice harsh and – surprisingly – worried.
"I told him we hadn't. He wanted to know what part of the country and about any other spells James was going to put up. The whole thing was bizarre – I mean, I didn't suspect him, but he was asking so much and he was looking at me like I was dead on my feet… so I told him I was tired and he left. But it can't be true, can it?"
"The Death Eaters were cursing him because he had failed to become the Potters' secret keeper."
"Oh."
"Oh indeed. I would advise you to protect this house. They will know you are the Secret Keeper, so … well, let's just say the Dark Lord wants them dead at all costs. You're in danger too. Now, however, I must go. I have to tell the others beside you yet."
He apparated before either of them could stop him – not that they wanted to. Remus shut the door slowly and whistled. "Do you believe him?"
"Peter's been avoiding us lately – and he's been really quiet at the Order."
"And he was questioning you about Lilly and James the other night …"
Sirius sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I don't know who to trust any more, Remmie … I'm scared …"
Remus pulled him into a hug. "You can always trust me. Remember that."
Sirius swallowed. "I know …"
"I love you. You know that, too, don't you?"
"That's the one thing I can never doubt. I love you more …" Sirius replied, leaning his head onto Remus' shoulder. The werewolf laughed softly, leaning his head against Sirius'. They stood like that for a long while, simply enjoying being close.
The next morning, Remus woke up and looked over at Sirius, who was still sleeping. He whispered, "You're so peaceful when you're asleep."
The animagus muttered something and wriggled further down under the covers. Remus gently kissed Sirius' cheek and said, "Wake up. It's morning."
Sirius stirred, but didn't wake; instead he rolled over onto his side away from Remus and pulled the covers over his head. Remus hauled them back and said, smiling, "Sirius, get up. You can't have a lie in or you won't be able to go to sleep tonight. Come on, Siri!"
Sirius screwed his eyes tight shut and muttered, "Go away!"
Remus pulled him onto his back and rolled over on top of him and said, "Sirius, I know you're awake. Stop messing about. Come on, you said you'd visit Lilly and James this morning."
Sirius cracked open one eye. "Can't a man get any sleep around here?"
Remus smiled and leant down to kiss him. "You promised. And it's nearly ten already."
Sirius pushed the werewolf off and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He swung his legs out of bed and turned back to Remus, who was still lying under the blankets looking incredibly comfortable. "And what about you?"
"Oh, I'm not well. Doctors' orders to stay in bed and get lots of rest for a few days."
Sirius scowled at him, but still got up and went into the bathroom. He turned on the shower and got in, cursing self-righteous werewolves, doctors who advised lots of rest and best friends who needed visiting on a Sunday morning.
Sirius decided that if he had anything to do with it, there wouldn't BE any 'morning' on Sundays. The day would begin around one in the afternoon. He shut his eyes, ducking his head under the hot water and running his fingers into his hair.
Suddenly, he felt cool fingers massaging his shoulders. Remus. "Don't be mad at me."
Sirius smiled, turning around. "I'm not mad at you. I just hate getting up so early."
"You call this early?"
"For a Sunday, yeah," Sirius replied, pulling Remus further under the shower with him. "Don't look at me like that. I'm just not a morning person."
"I don't mind," Remus smiled, linking his hands behind Sirius' back. Sirius smiled back, running his fingertips up and down Remus' spine, making the werewolf shudder. Remus stepped closer, tugging Sirius forwards at the same time. Sirius' fingers moved to Remus hair, his lips descending to cover the werewolf's. Remus snuggled closer, crushing his body against Sirius'. The animagus whimpered. There was no ignoring the fact both he and Remus were hard now.
He thrust his hips forwards at the same moment at Remus did. They groaned in unison, their hands suddenly fumbling to touch as much of each other's wet skin as possible. Remus' hands found Sirius' cock and started to stroke. Sirius moaned, his fingers automatically moving to Remus', and within seconds they had both lost themselves in the bliss of each other's touch.
"Now you've not got time for a proper breakfast," Remus whined, ten minutes later. Sirius grabbed his toast out of the toaster and took a bite of one slice while buttering the other.
"Whose fault is that? I didn't ask for some company in the shower. Remus, don't look at me like that; I wasn't complaining! Please don't go into a huff."
"I do not go into huffs! I'm just worried about you …"
"Stop fussing; I'll live. I'll beg something from Lilly," Sirius replied, his mouth full. Remus shook his head and kissed Sirius' cheek. Sirius swallowed the toast and wrapped his arms around Remus, careful not to get either melted butter or toast crumbs on his back. "Is that all I get?"
Remus smiled and kissed Sirius properly. Within second, the kiss had become deep and their tongues were fighting for supremacy. Finally, Remus pulled back. "Now get lost before they start to worry. And don't forget to tell them about Peter!"
Sirius nodded resignedly, waved to Remus and apparated. The werewolf slumped down at the table and sighed. Sirius never listened. He never paid attention. It drove Remus around the bend.
God, Sirius had the knack of driving him mad down to an art form. And the thing was, the really annoying thing was, he also had the way of looking at Remus with those big sorrowful eyes, giving him that look he couldn't resist; he'd be forgiven in an instant.
And they'd end up sprawled on the couch together listening to the Muggle radio or watching TV, exchanging increasingly heated kisses and touches until one of them (usually Remus) decided it was about time they went upstairs.
Remus smiled. Yes, Sirius would always be forgiven. The werewolf suddenly laughed. Before even getting angry he had forgiven Sirius for not listening.
James jumped when Sirius apparated in the hall. He popped his head around the kitchen door and yelled, "What'd you have to scare me like that for!"
"Sorry! You're the one who wanted the visit! God, I can't do anything right!" Sirius complained, going into the kitchen and slumping down in a chair, his arms folded, a petulant look on his face. James sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I just thought it was Voldemort come after us."
"You thought I'd give you up?"
James smiled and shook his head. Sirius smiled back. "Where's Lilly?"
"In the bedroom. She's not feeling too well."
"Really? What a shame," Sirius said cheerfully, picking up a packet of cornflakes off the table and pouring himself some into James' bowl. James complained, "Hey, that bowl's mine!"
Sirius muttered an insincere apology and continued eating. James got out another bowl and sat down opposite. He poured himself some breakfast and started to eat quickly. "Had an argument with Moony and had to make a break for it before he started throwing things, did you?"
"No," Sirius said, glaring at James. "I didn't have time for a proper breakfast is all."
"Tired? Did Remus keep you up all night?"
"Don't be crass, Prongs! I was tired, yes."
"Why?"
"You don't seriously expect me to answer that," Sirius commented. James nodded. Sirius scowled. "Right, I'm changing the subject now. Did you see much of Peter before you were locked up here?"
"No … well, he dropped in a couple of times at the old place, asking what we were doing to protect the house."
"Did you tell him anything," Sirius asked sharply, leaning forwards. James shook his head, frowning. Sirius sighed in relief and continued, "Thank the Lord. He's a Death Eater, James."
"What?" James laughed. "Are you mad, Padfoot? Wormtail? A Death Eater? Don't make me laugh! He doesn't have the brain or the courage!"
Sirius growled, "Snape came round last night to tell us. He was supposed to become your Secret Keeper so he could sell you to Voldemort. James, I know I've always hated Snape, but Dumbledore believes him and … this time I have to as well. Peter came around a couple of days ago to help me tidy up and he was asking loads of questions – about you and Lilly."
"So? Maybe he was just worried."
"Maybe he knows they're going to come after me. He was staring at me like I was dying, Jim. He knows Voldemort's going to try and kill me for information about you," Sirius explained as calmly as he could. Suddenly he didn't feel like finishing his bowl of cereal. James too put down his spoon.
"Sirius, I – "
"I'm not going to do anything stupid, but I am not telling him where you are."
"Promise you won't put yourself in deliberate danger?"
"I promise. Why would I do something that stupid, anyway? Really don't answer that or I may have to hurt you. Do you believe me? About Peter?"
"Ye-es. I mean, why would you lie to me? But … It's just so unlikely …"
"I know. I don't like it either. But … it's too risky to not believe Snape right now."
James nodded. "I'd better go tell Lilly, hadn't I?"
Sirius nodded, picking up his spoon again to finish his breakfast.
(A/N: Review, please. It makes me feel better. I just had the most boring day EVER and it will cheer me up! I know it's a load of rubbish – I don't deny it – but please try not to be harsh. I had to let everyone know about Peter SOMEHOW!)
