Chapter 9
The mood in the room was tense. Dumbledore had called an emergency meeting of the Order. Even in these dark times meetings were planned, by calling meetings at such short notice it made us disorganised and vulnerable.
"As you know," Dumbledore began slowly, his aged voice no longer able to induce the calm it once did, "Voldemort has recently become more focused on James and Lily Potter. I myself have uncovered the reason behind this. We feel it is best if they suspend their work for the Order and go into hiding for a while."
There was a pause whilst everyone tried to assimilate the information. If anyone had any questions or objections, this would be when they would be raised. Yet everyone remained silent waiting for Dumbledore to continue, finally with a sigh he began again.
"As I am sure you are all aware, we have had numerous families go into hiding in the past six months, and Voldemort inevitably tracks them down." The sad faces around the room nodded in agreement, once a family had gone into hiding, they were as good as dead. "However Flitwick has come across an ancient charm that hides those it protects from all but who know the secret, this secret is contained within a vessel."
"What kind of vessel sir?" Sirius asked the question, every one in the room was thinking.
"In a soul." Hermione answered.
"You have heard of the charm?" Dumbledore asked surprised.
"I learnt about it at my old school, perhaps after the meeting I can share with you what I know?" Hermione pushed.
"I think that would be wise, we will adjourn the meeting now. James, Lily, go home and prepare to leave. Hermione will you come with me" Dumbledore directed.
I had never aimed to make Peter the outsider, perhaps some part of me thought that by being his friend I would be able to prevent him from betraying us to Voldemort. Even when talking to Dumbledore I found that all I could do was tell him to be careful about who became the Potters Secret Keeper and not allow Peter to become involved, of course Dumbledore had already decided on himself.
Later that night when I lay next to Sirius in bed I broached the topic that we had both been thinking about since the meeting.
"Siri" Hermione began.
Sirius grunted in response, at least he wasn't asleep, Hermione thought to herself. "Will you do me a favour?" Hermione asked softly.
"Of course." Sirius said sleepily.
"Whatever happens will you be Lily and James secret keeper?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way. You know I love them as much as you do."
"Just don't let anyone pressurize you into not doing it, anyone."
If I had known then that Sirius could stand up to Dumbledore, but not little Pete I would never have had this conversation with him. But Sirius, being Sirius couldn't stand for one of his friends to feel so useless in the war as Peter did. I never knew exactly what was said between Peter and Sirius that made Sirius give in, I think Peter told Sirius I would be at risk if he were the Secret Keeper.
We all knew how scared Peter became in battles, often changing into his rat form to hide, by giving him a job, putting Lily and James lives in his hands, he suddenly became an intrigal part in the war, and for the first time in his life had a purpose. It is strange how people like James Sirius, and many others face hurdle after hurdle and keep going, yet others, like Peter, who continuously seek that chance to shine fall at the first real challenge they face.
