Chapter 10

Peter walked up to the gates. Looking for someone wanted for treason, murder, rape, assault, probably every crime the Ministry had ever bothered to make illegal, should have been difficult, yet finding Voldemort had been surprisingly easy.

The point of simply arresting Voldemort had long passed, in the beginning the Ministry had tried to ignore the problem, hope it would simply go away. This problem had escalated into full out war and years of turning a blind eye had resulted in fear running throughout the Wizarding world, many were now to afraid to fight Voldemort, trying to fade into the background, hoping obscurity would protect them and their families. They didn't realise that Voldemort would kill all those who didn't show him the utmost loyalty.

Peter began to shake as the giant gates creaked open, he wasn't brave, he had never pretended to be. Having strong friends was all well and good through School, it did mean however he had never had to grow his own courage, and he relied on others.

"Pettigrew" A voice cut through the darkness, "We wondered if we would see you sometime."

"Who, who's there?" Peter squeaked, resisting the temptation to turn into his rat form.

"Ahhh don't you recognise your old friend?" A woman stepped forward out of the darkness.

"Bella, well fancy seeing you here." Peter gulped, suddenly this was all beginning to seem to real, he had seen that face many times over the years in battle. Granted he was usually looking up at it from a more comfortable form, but he would never tell anyone he turned into his rat body when his friends were being cut down around himself.

"Nice weather we're having." Bella snarled sarcastically. She had always hated Peter most out of all the Marauders, even though she disliked Sirius, James and Remus, she could at least respect their courage.

"I want to speak with he-who-must-not-be-named."

"Don't call him that, Rat. He is the Dark Lord."

"Yes, err ok. Well can I talk with him?" Peter had begun to shiver, he didn't know if it was fear, or the cold night air, but he was starting to wish he had stayed at home.

"And why in the name of Morgana, would he wish to speak with you?"

"I want to make a deal, I can give him the Potters."

"Well Pettigrew, even I didn't think you could stoop this low. Come on through." Turning Bellatrix led the way through the front doors into a large entrance hall. After the cool of out doors Peter suddenly found the close heat unpleasant, yet he wondered if he would feel comfortable anywhere in this building.

Turning around he found Bella had vanished, he never thought he would ever want to see Bella, but now he found that he would give almost anything to have her back her, rather than stand alone for another minute in this hallway.

"Pettigrew." He heard Bella's voice behind him, turning he saw she was gesturing to a door behind her, "Go on through, My Lord will see you."

Peter entered the room she had indicated, not quite knowing what to expect. Looking around he saw he had entered a large map room, obviously the Dark Lord was not concerned about Peter seeing any of his plans. His attention turned to the man standing by the large window.

Peter stood shocked, this man was unmistakably Voldemort, yet he was not anything like Peter had imagined he would be. The power radiating from him was awesome, falling to his knees, he looked down to the ground tearing his eyes away from the cruel but nevertheless beautiful face.

"My Lord." Peter whispered, knowing that he could never fight against this man again, "The Potters, I can give them to you."

"It is well known you serve one person in this world Pettigrew, and that is yourself, so what would you want in return for this?" The voice was like the face, cruel yet beautiful. A thousand metaphors when through Peters head on his first time of hearing this sound, yet none managed to convey the power, and presence the voice possessed.

Peter couldn't bear to look up, surely if Voldemort believe he didn't want to help him, only himself, the Voldemort would send him back to the Order in pieces. "Lord." He finally managed to choke out.

"Lucky for you Pettigrew, I know you are to much of a coward to betray me. Lets make your deal and be done with it. I trust a coward, it's the brave who are likely to do stupid things."

"Lily and James are hidden by the charm." Peter whispered very quickly.

"Yes I know this. I need the secret. Tell me what you know." Voldemort hissed.

"I am the secret keeper." Peter said proudly, raising his voice for the first time and looking up. To his surprise the man in front of him laughed.

"The Potters could choose anyone for their keeper, and you want me to believe they chose you above Dumbledore, Black, Granger? Tell me what you want, it must be important to risk this."

"James thought you would think it was one of them. No one would suspect me, we changed from Sirius to me at the last minute."

"Clever, very clever." Voldemort muttered. "And I suppose this is why you chose to tell me? If the Potters are found then everyone will suspect Sirius as the traitor. You truly are the Rat. Tell me what you want and you have your deal Pettigrew."

Peter looked up relieved and took a deep breath, "I want Granger."