(Now for the real first chapter! Yay! It takes place in October Year 3 of this story (for further info. on these time annotations, go back a chapter to the Ships/Warnings/Etc. Section. ).)
One- The Night Betrayer
The house was as dark as the night sky which engulfed it. In fact, it was almost impossible to tell difference of shadow from solid. Yet, somehow, he knew that it was not empty.
Yes, there was definitely someone here.
A shudder escaped through his body, before he restrained it.
I should go back, a voice inside demanded.
No, another argued. What is there for you, going back? Only death awaits those who don't join- you heard Avery say it himself.
But what about James, Sirius, and Lupin? What will happen?
I can't tell them a thing. Since when have they truly been there for me? This is something we've got to do alone. Survive first, worry about those who've never cared later...
"Get a hold of yourself," He whispered, fed up with his conscience, barely audible even to his own ears in the silence.
Suddenly, a white light flooded the area, revealing the smirking face of a man. Peter Pettigrew gave a slight, startled jump.
"Oh, please do get a hold of yourself," The man jaunted. Sneering, he sauntered over to the mousy young man, the light projecting from his wand glowing brightly.
Another face appeared with the light of a wand- directly behind Peter himself. Cowering between them, his heart was racing like a hummingbird's.
"Well, look what we caught ourselves here?" The second man jeered. "Wouldn't that old fool Dumbledore be excited to learn that another of his innocent, little helpers is about to join the winning side? You do know that if you turn back now, we'll have to kill you?"
Peter's inside did a somersault. It's for the best, he ensured himself, it's for the best.
"Wilkes, my dear friend, it looks like the little lion here is having second thoughts…" The first glared.
"N-n-no, sir. No second thoughts…" Peter stuttered out, cursing himself. The words sounding hilarious as soon as they poured out of his mouth.
The two Death Eaters chuckled.
"Tell us," The first finally pressed, "What exactly is it that you believe you have? What can you do to earn the Dark Lord's protection?"
A quick, sudden wind of courage blew through Pettigrew as he stood straight and looked the Death Eaters in the eyes.
"I can get on the inside."
"What, pray tell, can you get us, exactly?" The second snarled.
Images of his friends smiling, of Dumbledore winking, of good times flashed through his brain. They quickly disappeared, replaced by the feeling of cold and loneliness. Peter could not afford to be isolated any more. He could not afford to be on the losing side any more.
"I can get you anything your Master wants."