Chapter 1: Sirius's Idea
Dana sat on the edge of her seat and looked from one person to the other. They all seemed so serious and grave.. she wondered if anything worse had happened.
"Well…?" she said questioningly.
Sirius spoke first.
"It's this… problem we have about the Fidelius Charm. No, about the Secret Keeper, actually…"
"You don't want to do it?" Dana blurted out, and then regretted that immediately because she knew too well how bad Sirius's temper was likely to get if there was any hint that he did not want to do something for the Order, or was not brave enough to, in someone's words.
But it was James who answered.
"It's not like that, Dana," he said. "You see, Sirius thinks that it's too obvious that he is going to be the Secret Keeper and Voldemort and the Death Eaters would know straight away. I – I agree with him."
"Who's going to do it, then?" Dana demanded. "Remus?"
James gave Sirius a dark look before answering.
"No. Sirius suspects him – the guy whom we have all known since our childhood," he told her. "He says Peter –"
"I can tell her, James," interrupted Sirius. "Though I don't quite see why we have to… anyway, I think Peter should be the Secret Keeper. Nobody will think of him. I doubt if Voldemort even knows about him. That's why I didn't invite them both."
Dana couldn't believe her ears. She stared at him with a mixture of anger and incredulity. She then looked at Lily, who said," For once, I agree with them."
"You can't be serious!" said Dana, her voice rising. "You can't let them do that. Peter will spill out all our secrets if Voldemort as much as prods him with his finger!"
"Now that's a bit harsh," said James with a hint of irritation. " Look, we trust Peter. Though he may not look like the brightest or bravest of wizards, I think he's got it in him. He'll go into hiding-"
"I'll do it," Dana interrupted. "You didn't have to ask Peter of all people! I'm there! I can handle it. I'll be Secret Keeper."
"No," said Lily quickly. "No, Dana. I'm not letting you do it. It's too dangerous. You shouldn't-"
"What, Lily?" said Dana softly. " You don't trust me? Or maybe you think I'm not up to the task… Well, let me tell you. I'll guard you with my life. You hear that? I'll die for you. I'll kill that blood thirsty bastard if it's the last thing I ever do. I'm an Auror at the Ministry.. You can't doubt my abilities."
"No," Lily said simply. "It's just… if anything happens to me and James, we want you to take care of Harry. And, of course, the Order will need you. You are an important resource, as an Auror and a spy at the Ministry. The Order can't afford to have you out of action when you are in hiding. I hope you understand.." she looked intently at Dana.
Dana looked at the floor and nodded, her eyes stinging. She hated arguing with Lily. She got up, pulled her best friend up and hugged her.
"There, there," said Lily, patting the top of her head.
Dana, though her eyes were now leaking, felt this was a bit funny. Here she was, in her best friend's house, where both she and her husband were in mortal danger, and Lily was the one comforting her, when in reality, it should have been the other way round. Dana should have been the one who was comforting Lily and giving her support.
Then, she saw the tears streaming down Lily's face and felt sick of herself. She had made her friend worry about her, when she already had a lot to do, apart from worrying about Lord Voldemort's next evil plans and trying to spoil them. And Dana hadn't done a single thing to make Lily happy, let alone feel safe and comforted. Not one. But she had added to her mental burdens.
She pulled away from Lily. James and Sirius had gone out of the room. They must have wanted to give the two friends some time together. Or perhaps they had been mortified to see two females break down completely. Dana mentioned this to Lily and was glad when she gave her a watery smile.
"Dana," said Lily, holding her at arm's length. "Where have you been all week? We couldn't send owls, you know. Why didn't you contact us?"
"Oh, I've just been busy with work and the Order," said Dana, dismissing the matter lightly. If Lily knew about the depression and black mood she'd been in, she'd be even more upset.
"You aren't eating well, are you?" said Lily, fussing over her. "You look pale and ill. Whatever have you been doing?"
"I told you. It's just stress. They've been pressuring me a lot at the Ministry."
Lily looked troubled at this.
"They shouldn't overwork you," she said. "You already look ill. I'll speak to –"
"It's ok," Dana assured her. "I like what I do. I like kicking Death Eater butt. And soon, I'm gonna make their evil leader bite the dust. So don't fret."
Lily looked at her amusedly. "What a way to put it!"
Dana shrugged. "It's a fact."
"In any case, Dana, I think you should take some time off work. Get a week's rest at home. Everything will be all right," said Lily, smiling.
"But what about the Order and the Ministry and-"
"Do what I say!" ordered Lily, laughing." It'll do you good."
"I will, madam. If you insist," replied Dana. "Anything to keep you happy."