Word Count: 408


"Something wrong, Peter?" James asks, brows raising. "You look a bit ill."

Peter swallows dryly. Is he really that transparent? No. He can't be. James is just giving him a hard time again.

He smiles, but the curve of his lips feels shaky. Can James see right through him? Will he somehow know what is going to happen?

Peter doesn't want to think about that, of course. It's a shame it has to be this way, but there's nothing he can do. He loves Lily and James, and he wishes it could be different. But the Dark Lord has a plan, and Peter has thought long and hard before making his decision. This is for the best. His master has laid out the winning side before him, and Peter knows he is making the right choice.

Sometimes the right choice involves sacrifice. Isn't that what Dumbledore has been preaching for so long? There's a difference between what is easy and what is right, and this most certainly isn't easy, not by any stretch of the imagination.

"I'm fine, James," Peter says, and he's so glad his voice doesn't betray him.

His nerves are normal. That's what he has to tell himself, at least. Everything worth doing is supposed to make you nervous. It only strengthens his resolve and makes him more confident in his decision.

This is the right thing. He wouldn't be so afraid if it was a mistake.

"So glad you could stop by," Lily says, entering the living room. She looks exhausted. "Just got Harry down for a nap. Are you staying for lunch, Pete?"

Peter shakes his head. "No. I'm afraid not. I just wanted to check in and make sure you're both okay."

Lily smiles as she crosses the room and pulls Peter into a hug. "You always were such a great friend."

Her words feel like knives finding their way into his chest. For a moment, Peter forgets how to breathe, and tears sting his eyes. "Don't mention it."

When he walks away, it feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. He tells himself again and again that he is doing the right thing, that Lily and James would understand.

"Well?" the Dark Lord asks, his voice as cold as ice.

Peter considers lying. Maybe he could get away with it.

But he isn't willing to die. Not for this.

"Tonight, my lord," Peter says, bowing his head.