A/N: I'm really sorry this took so long. Taking four grad classes at a time in addition to not having my own computer was a recipe for disaster! However, I'm on winter break now, so I'll be at home with my own computer for a month. I'm going to work ahead as much as I can, so I'll be able to keep updating even after I go back to school.

For everyone whose stories I usually review . . . I know I have a lot of reading to catch up on! That's another of my missions for this month, so be watching for my reviews.

Thank you all for your patience. I know how awful it is to wait for an update, and I do sincerely apologize.

Now, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Decisions Made

"You're not going to believe who was just here."

"Then why bother telling me?" Remus asked as he hung his cloak in the hall closet.

"Stop being so literal, you prat," Sirius grinned. "Regulus was just here."

Remus turned to his roommate with wide eyes. "Your brother?"

"Do you know another Regulus?"

Remus shook his head slowly. "Not to be rude, Sirius, but why was he here? Shouldn't he be at Hogwarts?"

"Yes, he should be."

"Then why was he . . . Are your parents all right?"

"That was my first thought, too," Sirius replied, running his hands over his face. "But they're fine."

"Good."

"Well, that's debatable."

"Sirius . . ."

"I know, I know," Sirius sighed, tossing his hands up. "Regulus already yelled at me over it, so save your breath."

Remus nodded, and sat down across from Sirius in the living room. "Well, what did he want?"

Sirius gave him a twisted smile. "Voldemort sent him to recruit me."

Remus' eyes widened even more. "He did what?"

Sirius nodded. "He sent my little brother – a child – to ask me to join his noble cause."

"What did you say?"

Sirius gave him a look of pure annoyance. "Is this what we've come to, Moony? You actually have to ask me something like that?"

"I'm sorry," Remus said quickly. "This whole thing just took my by surprise, that's all."

Sirius nodded, running his hands over his face again. "I know. I'm sorry, too." He exhaled deeply. "You know, Voldemort's actually quite bright. He knows how to hit us where it hurts. He got you with the werewolf thing, and me with my brother . . . If we were weaker people, I can't even imagine what would have happened."

Remus nodded slowly. "Who do you think he'll go for next? James? Olivia? Peter?"

"I don't know," Sirius replied, shaking his head. "It could be any one of us."

"Well, Laura and Lily are safe, since they're Muggle-born," Remus said rationally. "And Dana's a half-blood, so they'll probably avoid her . . ."

"Still, we should warn them all," Sirius said. "Everyone needs to be prepared. This isn't something we want to take anyone by surprise. Who knows what could happen in the wrong situation?"

"You think one of our friends would join the Death Eaters?" Remus asked quickly, startled.

Sirius shrugged. "I would say no, but . . . How well can you truly know another person?"

"That's rather cynical," Remus replied. "I mean, we've known all these people since we were kids!"

"I'm sure none of our friends would do it," Sirius said. "I'm just saying that people do strange things for what they think are the right reasons."

Weak and shaking, Peter looked up at the Dark Lord – his new master. "What did you do to me?"

"I have made you one of my own," Voldemort replied. "You have taken the Dark Mark. When you feel it burn, you are to Apparate instantly to my side."

"How will I know where you are?"

"You will know," Voldemort replied simply. "I am through with you for now, Pettigrew. Return home, and await my summons."

"Don't you have a task for me?"

Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Lesson one, Peter," he whispered. "Never question me." He raised his wand. "Crucio."

For the second time that night, Peter shrieked in pain.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for the position of professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We were impressed with you interview, and are certain that you will be a welcome addition to our staff.

You will be required to attend sessions with our current Defense professor beginning I two weeks' time. You will officially take your position and be required to be present in a professional capacity at Hogwarts on 30 August.

We await your owl of official acceptance of the position.

Congratulations, James.

Sincerely,

Albus P.W.B. Dumbledore.

"Lily!" James yelled, running from the kitchen to the living room. "Lily, where are you?"

"Here!" Lily yelled. She rushed from the bedroom to the top of the stairs. "What happened? Are you all right?"

"Better than all right!" James bounded up the stairs three at a time, and grabbed Lily around the waist. "I got the job!"

"At Hogwarts?"

"How many other jobs did I apply for?"

"Oh, James!" Lily squealed. "Congratulations! When do you start?"

"In two weeks." He grinned. "I guess that means I'd better turn in my notice to the Ministry."

"James, don't be rude about it," Lily warned. "Remember, your dad still works there."

"Honestly, Lil, I think I'm a bit offended," James said, pulling away from her slightly. "What do you expect me to do?"

Lily rolled her eyes, and smiled. "I've known you since you were eleven years old, Potter, and I still don't think I'm fully aware of everything that you're capable of. I don't have a clue what you might do! That's the part that scares me!"

James laughed. "You don't think I've grown up since I was eleven?"

"I know you have," Lily smiled, drawing closer to him again. "When you were eleven, I would never have done this." She leaned up, and kissed him.

James pulled away after a moment, and smiled down at her. "Thank goodness I grew up."

"Thank goodness indeed," Lily said, kissing him again.

"Hey, love."

"Remus!" Laura exclaimed, looking up from the book she had been reading. "Are you ready for James and Lily's party?"

"Well, we still have a few hours before it starts." He sat down next to her on the couch, and she curled up against him. "What do you think the big announcement is?"

"I don't know," she replied. "My first guess would be that Lily's pregnant, but she hasn't said a word about it."

"They haven't even been married six months yet," Remus protested. "How could she be pregnant already?"

Laura raised her eyebrows. "Do I really need to answer that?"

Remus laughed. "No, I suppose not."

"Besides," Laura said, running her hand over his chest, "don't you want to have children soon?"

"I'd rather we were married first," he grinned.

"You know what I mean. We'll be married in less than two months. How soon do you want to try for a baby?"

Remus tipped her chin up to look into her eyes. "You're serious, aren't you? You really want to have a baby soon?"

"I come from a big family, Remus," she said. "I've always wanted to have lots of children."

Remus nodded slowly. "Before we do anything along those lines, I want to talk to my dad, and to the specialists at St. Mungo's. I want to make sure it's a good idea for me to have children."

"Oh, Remus, you'll be a great father!"

He smiled sadly. "I love children, Laura. I always wished I had siblings. Sharing your family is the greatest gift you could have given me. I would love to have children with you. But I want to know that it's safe for me to do so. I will not bring a child like me into the world. I would never ask my child to lead the life I've lived – to endure the struggles I've endured."

"We'll talk to the Healers, then," Laura said soothingly. "But, Remus, you should know that you're a good person. Your life has made you that person. I love you, and I don't think I would if your life had been any different."

He smiled. "You're sweet, you know."

"I try to be."

He shook his head. "I also want to be gainfully employed before we have children."

"Have you talked to Dumbledore yet?"

"Well . . ."

Laura jumped to her feet, and held her hand out to Remus. "Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"To Hogwarts."

It was odd to walk through the halls of his old school again. It was not he and his friends who hurried along the stone floors. These were different students, who were dealing with different issues. For some reason, the sight of the students made him feel old. So much had changed since he had last been in this place.

Laura squeezed his hand, and he smiled down at her. Some things hadn't changed. The important things remained the same.

They reached the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office, and Laura released his hand. Remus raised his eyebrows at her.

"You go on. I'll be down in the kitchens. I'm sure the house-elves will have something for me to eat."

Remus frowned slightly, but smiled at the same time. "You remember how to get to the kitchens?"

"Of course," she smiled. "I have this boyfriend who knew everything about the castle, and loved to show me around – and I have a very good memory." She leaned up to kiss him. "Good luck, Remus."

Still smiling, Remus shook his head as he watched her walk away. Once she had disappeared into the sea of students, he turned back to the gargoyle. Dumbledore's office was password-protected – and he didn't know the password. How would he reach the Headmaster?

"Mr. Lupin?"

Remus nearly jumped out of his skin. He turned to see Professor McGonagall walking toward him.

"It is you," she said in disbelief as she drew closer. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to see the Headmaster," Remus replied.

"Order business?" McGonagall asked stiffly.

"No," Remus said slowly, "it's far more personal than that."

The professor nodded. She knew how close Remus and Dumbledore had become during Remus' time as a student. Both she and the Headmaster had gained amazing respect for Remus as they had watched him battle with himself for control of his own soul. Without another question, she gave the password for Dumbledore's office, making the gargoyle guarding it spring to life. "I hope Albus can help you," she said softly.

"So do I," Remus muttered. "Thanks, Professor."

She nodded, and turned to leave him. Remus stepped onto the revolving staircase, and made his way up to the Headmaster's office.

As he drew closer to the office, he grew more and more nervous. What was he going to say? How could he simply ask this man for a job? His nerves quickly turned to regret for even coming. How could he have let Laura talk him into this? He could have gotten a job at a store or a restaurant or . . .

The staircase stopped moving, and Remus stepped off it. He knocked hesitantly on the door, which magically opened.

Dumbledore looked at him in surprise. "Remus!"

Remus smiled as he entered the room. "Hello, Professor."

"Sit down," Dumbledore invited with a smile. "How are you?"

"Fine," Remus replied. "And you?"

"Busy as always," the Headmaster said, fixing Remus with a penetrating stare. He leaned back in his chair, and smiled slightly. "I can see that this is not a casual social call. Why are you here, Remus? I want a truthful answer. I can see that something is bothering you."

Remus smiled faintly. "How is it that you can always read my mind?"

Dumbledore leaned forward, and smiled. "Remus, that doesn't answer my question."

Remus sighed. "I know."

"Why don't you just start at the beginning," the Headmaster prompted.

"The beginning," Remus muttered. He nodded. "Quite awhile ago, I was approached by two Death Eaters. They wanted me to join their ranks. When I refused, they promised to make me pay."

"I had feared they would begin to target our members," Dumbledore said heavily. "Even the best-kept secrets cannot remain secrets forever." He shook his head slightly. "Forgive me. Please, continue."

"Right," Remus said, trying to sort out exactly what Dumbledore had meant. "Well, shortly after that encounter, the Healers who run the Academy found out that I am a werewolf. They removed me from the program."

"Remus, I am sorry," Dumbledore said, a sadness creeping into his eyes. "It is their loss more than yours. You would have made an excellent Healer."

Remus shook his head. "I didn't have any great love of the healing arts. My father wanted me to be a Healer more than I did. It was to be my career, nothing more."

"But now you aren't sure of what exactly you should do for a career."

"Well, no, I'm not. I would like to do something with Defense Against the Dark Arts, but I'm not sure . . ."

Dumbledore smiled slightly. "I think you are surer than you are saying. Tell me, Remus. What is it you would like to do, and how can I help you do it?"

"I would like to find a way to teach defense, sir." Remus forced himself to maintain eye contact, despite his desire to drop his head to look at the floor. "I know I couldn't teach in a school, but even tutoring would be fine. I just don't know where to begin following this career path. Can you help me? Do you know how I should begin?"

Dumbledore sighed. "Remus, I wish you would have come to me sooner."

"What do you mean?"

"Our Defense professor is retiring at the end of the year. Had I known of your interest, I would have offered you the position."

"I'm too late?" Remus asked, feeling as though he had just been slapped. He should have listened to Laura. He should have come sooner.

"I'm afraid so," Dumbledore said, frowning slightly. "You hadn't heard about this?"

"No. Why should I?"

"Because the position went to James Potter."

Remus was in a daze as he stepped off the moving staircase, back into the now-deserted hall. It was only due to years of sneaking around the castle with his friends that he managed to find his way to the kitchens. His mind was moving a thousand miles a minute, but paying attention to where he was walking was the least of his concerns.

He reached the painting that hid the door to the kitchens, and tickled the pear without thinking about it. Laura looked up from her conversation with the house-elves as he walked into the warm, inviting room.

"How did it go?" she asked brightly.

Remus sank down onto the nearest stool. From a moment he merely looked at her without replying. An odd expression crossed his face; it was something of shock and regret mingled with anger.

"That well?" Laura asked, the smile sliding off her face.

"Dumbledore just hired a new Defense teacher. He said he would have offered me the job if he had known I was interested."

"Oh, Remus. We should have come sooner!"

"That's not the worst part."

"It gets worse?"

"Yes." He looked down, then up again, his hands balling into fists. "James got the job, Laura. James. One of my best friends. James. The same one who became Head Boy instead of me. James. The one who always comes out ahead of me."

"Remus . . ." Laura said, laying her hand on top of his. She shook her head as though trying to sort everything out. "Did James tell you that he was applying for the job?"

"No. If I had known, do you think I'd be so shocked?"

"If you had known, what difference would it have made? Would you have applied? Would you have competed against your friend?"

"Not if he really wanted it."

"Which he obviously does. And did he know that you wanted the job?"

"No. Only you know that."

"I don't see where you've been wronged, Remus."

Remus banged his fist on the table, and Laura jumped. "Don't you see, Laura? James always beats me – he always beats us all! He never tries to win, and he never tries to hurt anyone, but it always happens!" He paused, and ran his hands over his face. "He's such a good person, and I know I should be happy for him, but it's hard when he's taking what I want again."

"But you can't blame him. He didn't know, and you didn't know . . ."

"I don't understand why he didn't tell me."

"He probably didn't want to tell everyone, just in case he didn't get the job. Lily's probably the only one who knew."

Remus started to nod, then stopped. "No. Lily's never the only one with James. Sirius knew, too."

"Did he say something to you?"

"He didn't have to. He's always been number one with James. And I've always been fine with that."

"And now?"

Remus shrugged. "I don't have much choice, do I? They're my brothers." He stood up, and held a hand out to help Laura to her feet. "Come on. We're going to be late for the party. We can Floo to James and Lily's from here." He gave a wry smile. "At least now we know what the announcement will be."

"What time is everyone coming?" Lily asked as she put on her earring.

A crack sounded, and James grinned. "I'd say right now."

"Am I the only one here?" Sirius called.

"Yes, you're completely alone in our house," James replied as he left the bedroom. "We invited all our friends over, then left."

"And to think, I brought firewhiskey for the occasion!"

"Yes, that's just what we need," Lily said with a grin, walking down the stairs to join James and Sirius.

Sirius grinned, and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Hi, Little Flower."

"Hi, Sirius. Where are Olivia and Remus?"

"Am I there keeper?"

Lily shrugged. "You tend to travel in packs."

Sirius grinned again. "Well, if you must know, Olivia needed time to redo her makeup, and Remus and Laura are coming over together. Don't ask me about Peter or Dana, though." He paused, and raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, guys. What is the reason for this not-so-spur-of-the-moment dinner?"

"You'll see when everyone gets here," James replied with a smile.

"My God," Sirius said, his eyes growing round. He turned back to Lily. "You're pregnant, aren't you?"

"No!" Lily laughed. "We haven't even been married for a year yet! Why would you think that?"

"Logical conclusion," Sirius shrugged.

Lily shook her head, and James laughed.

"I don't think we're quite ready for kids yet, Padfoot."

"Yeah, they'd have it pretty rough with you two for parents," Sirius replied in mock seriousness.

"Prat," James laughed, punching his friend's shoulder.

Sirius returned the punch, and Lily shook her head.

"Why would I need children when I have the two of you?"

James and Sirius laughed, and ceased their battle. A crack split the air again, and Peter appeared.

"Hey, guys." He immediately collapsed into the nearest chair.

James and Sirius looked at one another in alarm. They sat down on either side of their friend.

"Wormtail, are you all right?" James asked.

"Of course," Peter replied, smoothing down his sleeves. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You look awful," Sirius said bluntly.

"Well, that's nice," Peter snapped. "After all I've been through – after all I've done for you –"

"Calm down, Peter," Sirius interrupted quickly, regret shadowing his eyes. "I'm sorry, all right? We all know you've been through a lot with your dad and all, and I should have thought of that before I opened my mouth. I'm sorry."

Peter nodded, and closed his eyes as though too exhausted to continue the conversation. "Just think before you act, all right?"

"Sure, Mum."

The fireplace sprang to life, and Remus and Laura stepped out of it. James looked at them in surprise.

"You Flooed over?"

"Yes," Remus said shortly.

James nodded, and gave them a curious look. He was about to speak again when Olivia Apparated into the house.

"Am I the last one here?" she asked.

"No, Dana and Aidan aren't here yet," Lily said. She glanced at her watch. "Everything will be ready in a few minutes. Will they be here?"

Olivia shrugged. "I haven't seen Dana since this morning. They must be at Aidan's place."

Lily nodded uncertainly. "Should we start without them?"

"Yes," Sirius replied. "I'm starving."

"And that's a change from the usual how, exactly?" James asked.

"Prat," Sirius laughed, punching James' shoulder.

"Oh, I am not doing this again," Lily said, walking toward the kitchen. "I'll just go finish dinner."

"I'll help," Olivia and Laura said as one, jumping to their feet.

Dana and Aidan still had not appeared by the time they sat down to dinner. Deciding they could join them later, they began their meal. Once everyone had been served, James cleared his throat.

"Everyone," he said, "we invited you all here tonight to share some special news."

Remus looked down. Laura reached beneath the table to squeeze his hand. He smiled at her, and laced his fingers through hers.

"What's the news?" Peter asked.

"You're pregnant," Sirius said.

The girls gasped, and jerked their heads toward Lily.

"Sirius, honestly!" Lily laughed. "Didn't we say no to that already?"

"Yes, but I thought maybe you didn't want me to know before everyone else."

James shook his head. "When Lily's pregnant, Sirius, you'll be the first to know."

"Good," Sirius grinned.

James shook his head again. "Now that we've straightened that out, the real news is that I've found a new job."

"Where?" Olivia asked.

James grinned. "A little place I think you're all familiar with – it's called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"You got the job?" Sirius exclaimed, jumping to his feet.

"I did," James grinned. "As of August 30, I will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts."

"Congratulations!" Sirius exclaimed, pulling James into a manly, back-slapping hug.

As soon as he released him, Olivia flung her arms around him. Peter was next to offer his congratulations, followed by Laura. Once Laura had stepped back, Remus moved toward him.

"Congratulations, Prongs," he said, shaking his friend's hand.

"Thanks," James replied. "You know, Moony, I owe this job to you. I never would have done so well in Defense without your help. I wish I could share this with you somehow."

Remus smiled, and changed his mind about the handshake. James didn't know about his desire to teach. How could he? Remus had never told anyone except Laura. James – his friend of so many years – didn't deserve a handshake. Remus pulled him into a hug.

"Liv! Liv, where are you?"

Olivia shoved her hands against Sirius' chest. "Looks like Dana finally made it home."

Sirius rolled off her, across the bed. "Does that mean our 'alone time' is over?"

"I'm afraid so," Olivia said as she stood up.

"Olivia!"

"I'm coming!" Olivia called, straightening her clothes.

The door to her bedroom burst open, and Dana bounded in. "Here you are!"

"Indeed," Olivia said, giving her a pointed look.

Dana's eyes fell on the bed, which Sirius was still sprawled across. She giggled. "I guess I should be thankful you're both still clothed."

Olivia shook her head. "Where have you been all day? You missed James and Lily's party! They had the greatest news!"

"What is it?" Dana asked, looking as if she was going to explode. "Tell me quickly, because I have news for you, too!"

Olivia gave her an odd look. "Well, James just got the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts."

Dana's eyes widened. "Did he really? That's brilliant! I didn't even know he was applying!"

"None of us did. It was quite a surprise." She glanced at Sirius with a smile. "Well, maybe a few of us knew."

Sirius shrugged. "James is my best mate. We tell one another things."

Olivia shook her head. "All right, Dana, that's our news. Now, tell us yours before you burst."

Dana grinned, and bit her lip. "Come into the living room."

Olivia and Sirius exchanged a glance and a shrug, then followed Dana into the living room. Aidan was there, standing in the middle of the room, clasping and unclasping his hands. Olivia looked from one of them to the other.

"What's going on here, guys?"

Dana looked at Aidan for a moment, then back at Olivia. "We just got married!" she shrieked.

"What?" Olivia and Sirius gasped in unison.

"We're married! We just went and did it today!"

"Do your parents know?"

"Of course. They were there. They were the only ones – we needed witnesses, you know."

"Of course," Olivia said slowly. "I just . . . Dana! I can't believe it!"

"Believe it," Dana said, shifting her eyes from Olivia's face to Aidan's. Her face glowed as her eyes met his. "It's real. It really happened. We're married!"

Olivia gave a shriek, and launched herself at Dana, pulling her into a tight hug. Both girls were crying when they finally broke their embrace.

"I'm so happy for you," Olivia said, wiping at her tears. "I'm so happy for you, but I'm going to miss you so much around here."

"I know," Dana sighed. "We'll still see each other, but it won't be the same. I'm going to miss you, too."

Olivia hugged Dana again, then released her, and kissed her cheek. She looked up at Aidan. "You'd better take care of her, or you're going to have me to answer to."

Aidan smiled. "I will," he promised. "I'll protect her with my life if I need to."

"Good," Olivia said. "I'll hold you to that."

"We have to go tell the others," Dana said, taking Aidan's hand again. "But I wanted you to know first."

Olivia smiled. "You'll be back later?"

"Yes, I'll need to get some of my things. It's going to be a process to move!"

Olivia nodded, feeling the tears threatening again.

Sensing that things would only get more difficult if they prolonged the moment, Dana smiled. "We'll see you later! We need to get to James and Lily's!"

With two pops, they were gone. Olivia looked up at Sirius.

"Can you believe that?" he asked with a grin.

"I know," Olivia said. "I always thought that Dana wanted a big wedding – something like what James and Lily had."

"That's not what I meant," Sirius said.

"What did you mean?" Olivia frowned.

"I can't believe they're married!"

"Why not?" Olivia asked. "They've been together a long time – longer than we have."

"Still . . . don't you think they're a little young?"

"James and Lily are our age, too. And so are Remus and Laura, and look at them." A slight frown crossed her face. "All our friends are getting married, Sirius. I don't think we're too young – not anymore."

Sirius shook his head. "Well, I do. We're far too young for that."

Olivia's frown deepened. "You really think so?"

"You don't?" he asked in surprise.

"No."

He shook his head, and pulled her close. "Let's not think about that anymore."

"Sirius, I think we need to talk about –"

He silenced her with a kiss. After a moment, his lips traveled down her neck, and she leaned closer into him.

"What did you want to talk about?" he murmured.

"Never mind," she said dreamily, running her hands through his hair. "I've forgotten."

James walked through the silent halls of Hogwarts, trying to shake off his nerves. He had been here before. He had spent seven years of his life in this place. He had even been to this particular teacher's office before.

He couldn't stop the nerves as he knocked on the office door. It swung open before he was truly ready, and his old Defense professor stood before him.

"Well," the older man smiled. "James Potter. I never imagined that I'd see you back here again."

"I wasn't exactly expecting it myself, Professor Prewett" James admitted with a grin.

The old man opened the door wider. "Well, come in. We have a lot of work to do."

James smiled again, and followed Professor Prewett into his office. Boxes were stacked everywhere, evidence that this room was soon to see a new occupant. The professor sat down behind his desk, and motioned for James to take the seat across from him.

"Dumbledore wants me to teach you how to be a teacher, James," Prewett said. "But he certainly hasn't left us enough time for that. I'll teach you enough so that you can get by, and then you'll have to learn from experience.

"You do have some very valuable assets, though. Firstly, you have your colleagues. You won't find better teachers anywhere. They aren't just talented in teaching and in their subject areas, they're wonderful people. Hogwarts teachers always work together, and we always help one another. That's how it's always been around here, and, I dare say, how it always will be.

"Secondly, you have a good command of Defense Against the Dark Arts. I remember teaching you. You were always very good. You weren't the best in your year, but you could keep up with the best quite easily. That knowledge you obtained will serve you well now.

"And finally, you have the most important asset – your membership in the Order of the Phoenix." He paused, and leaned closer to James. "Do you know why that's so important, James?"

"No, sir, I don't."

He leaned in even closer. "Because you're going to teach the same defensive magic you use there. These are dark times, James. Our students don't need to know about dark creatures, they need to know about dark magic. They need to know how to fight it." He handed James a stack of parchment. "These are the syllabi I've used to teach from for over forty years. Today, you and I are going to revise them."

James nodded as he looked down at the parchment. The rather awesome thought that he was holding this man's entire career in his hands filled his mind. He gave an involuntary shudder.

Almost as if he knew what James was thinking, the old Defense teacher nodded. "I was a good Defense professor in my time. But times are changing, James, and we must change with them. Hogwarts needs new blood, and it has that in you." He picked up a quill. "Come on. Let's start with the first years."

Peter waved his wand, turning off the lights in the store. He walked out, closing the door behind him. With another wave of his wand, it was locked. The shop was closed for the night.

He had just begun to walk home when he felt the burning in his arm. He gasped, and clutched his forearm. He had not anticipated that so much pain would accompany his summons.

The pain was driven from his mind as a location filled it. He was confused for a moment, feeling as if he knew this place, yet knowing he had never seen it. He pushed aside his discomfort, and Disapparated.

Dozens of hooded figures were filling the room. Peter looked around in awe. The Dark Lord's army was immense! How could Dumbledore and his small Order ever hope to compete with this?

A man grabbed Peter, and pulled him into a side chamber. Peter struggled against his captor, but the man was stronger than he was. He laughed at Peter's attempts to get away.

"So suspicious," he chuckled. "I'm not going to hurt you, Pettigrew. Don't you remember me? I brought you into this noble cause."

The man lowered his hood, and Peter recognized him as one of the men who had approached him after work, presenting him with the opportunity to join the Death Eaters. He relaxed, ceasing his struggles.

"Here," the man said, handing Peter a set of robes. "Any time we meet or act together as Death Eaters, you must wear these. Our secrecy is of the utmost importance. Your identity must remain a mystery."

Peter nodded, and pulled on the robes. He adjusted the mask and hood to hide his face. His fellow Death Eater nodded with satisfaction.

"Now you are ready. Come, we can't keep them waiting."

They entered the larger room, which was now full of Death Eaters. They took spots in the circle that was forming around the Dark Lord. Peter tried not to tremble as his master's eyes surveyed him. He didn't want to show that he was afraid.

"My friends," Voldemort said softly, "the time has come for us to strike again. There is a settlement north of here containing Mudbloods and Muggle-lovers. We will attack on Friday evening. The Aurors and Dumbledore will not expect it. Our mission . . ."

Peter stopped listening. Dumbledore? The Dark Lord knew of the Order? Did he know of their members? Did he know of Peter's now-dual memberships? He had promised Peter that he would not hurt his friends. But what if . . .?

Peter forced himself to pay attention to the matter at hand. At the very least, he would be prepared from both sides.