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Twisting Time

Chapter Six

Monday 7th December 1981

Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax.

He kept the same five words running through his head as he waited for Peter Pettigrew to arrive. Sequestered in his new cottage close to the outskirts of Godric's Hollow, Sirius breathed in deeply and out again as he told himself he had to talk to the traitor for his plan to work. The anger he still felt at Pettigrew betraying his friends was still there. Sirius knew he would never be able to forgive Peter for what he had done but it was essential for his plan to work that he act normally around him. He needed Pettigrew and for that to happen he had to trust him with his location.

Sirius and Dumbledore had discussed at length where he should hide. He didn't have to stay in Godric's Hollow but Dumbledore had said the town was magically powerful and it would be easier for Sirius to notify the magical community if things went badly wrong with his plan. He didn't want to be this close in proximity to Lily and James but Dumbledore had convinced him to. The cottage Sirius was staying in was owned by the Dumbledore family and it was perhaps this reason his former Headmaster had insisted upon it. He also had the feeling it would be easier for Dumbledore to arrive to assist him since it was likely the cottage was connected to the Headmaster's office. Since Sirius was the one who would be casting the Fidelius Charm, as soon as Voldemort arrived, he would break the charm, giving Dumbledore access to the cottage, if he deigned to come. Of course he didn't really need a Secret Keeper – they could just leak his location to Voldemort - however if they did that then it was likely Voldemort would send Death Eaters to retrieve Sirius. The Fidelius Charm insured he would come himself.

Pettigrew didn't know he was meeting Sirius. He had been told he was seeing Albus Dumbledore. With Order of the Phoenix business the Headmaster always chose different locations to talk to those in the Order so it wasn't out of the ordinary.

There was a soft knock on the door and Sirius clasped his wand, striding forward and pulling the door open.

Peter Pettigrew stood there, his blond hair flattened and slightly dirty and his watery eyes filled with worry until he saw Sirius instead of the Headmaster he had been expecting.

"Padfoot!" the blonde man said surprised.

Sirius forced a smile onto his face though inside his thoughts were raging at the smaller man. A part of him wanted to blast him to smithereens right now but he had to resist. "Hi Wormtail!" He pulled the man into a hug, all in line with the façade he was trying to pull.

"I thought I was seeing Dumbledore…?" asked Pettigrew as he stepped into Sirius' living room.

"I'm being hunted by Voldemort, Wormtail. I'm not going to call you to meet me by saying where I am. Anyone could be watching what communications you get. Its better they believe you are with Dumbledore. This is all a way to protect me from being found."

Peter bit his lip. "But why are they hunting you?"

Sirius shrugged. You very well know why you rat! "Because I know where James and Lily are. But it is getting too dangerous for me now so I have come up with an ingenious plan to protect myself and that involves you."

"M…me…me?" stammered Peter in surprise, his facial expression emitting shock.

"I trust you," said Sirius earnestly, all the while thinking he didn't. He was managing to bottle in his hate for Peter even though his fingers were itching to wrap around Peter's throat. What stopped him were his reasons for needing Peter around currently. Peter was an integral part of Sirius' plan. Without him Sirius didn't know how he'd be able to pull it off. "Besides," Sirius reached for Wormtail's shoulder, "I know you would never betray me."

"Thanks… It means a lot you trust me… What do you need me for?" Peter asked.

"Well… You know how James, Lily and Harry have gone into hiding, right?" checked Sirius and continued as Peter nodded, "I'm protecting them as their Secret Keeper. That's why Voldemort is after me because I am the only person standing in his way in finding them. Dumbledore and I have deemed it too dangerous for me to rely on without protections. So… that's where you come in, Wormtail." He hated calling him with that old nickname but Sirius knew he had to. Ever since coming up with the names during their school years they mainly referred to each other with those names rather than their real ones. It could raise Pettigrew's suspicions if he didn't use it.

"Are you asking me…" swallowed Peter, "to be your Secret Keeper?"

Sirius nodded. "Yes I am."

"Wow," Pettigrew whispered softly. "Are you sure I'm the right man for the job?"

"Positive," replied Sirius. He recalled Pettigrew saying the same thing to him when he had asked him to be James and Lily's Secret Keeper. Was he trying to get out of it?

"Am I really the best person for the job?" the smaller man swallowed, looking a bit fearful.

"No one would suspect you to be Secret Keeper. It's perfect. Not even Dumbledore knows I've chosen you," answered Sirius. "No one would think to hide a Secret Keeper under the Fidelius Charm as well. This is double protection for James, Lily and Harry."

"What about Moony?"

"He's…" Sirius bit his lip wondering how he could phrase his words. He was going to hate himself for this but it had to be done. "I think he's a traitor, Wormtail. He's always hanging around with the werewolves and when we do see him he's always eager to know what we've been doing." A little lie but hopefully enough to ease Pettigrew's suspicions. "I can't trust him with this."

"Right," Pettigrew tried to smile. "Sure. I'll do what I can to help."

"Thanks. Knew I could count on you," said Sirius. And as soon as this charm is done you will be running off to your Master to betray me…

"Are we performing the charm now?" Peter asked.

"Yes. I need to disappear. The longer I wait the higher chance there will be of Voldemort tracking me down," explained Sirius.

"Why can't Dumbledore be your Secret Keeper?" asked Peter.

Is Peter trying to get out of it? Sirius' eyes narrowed slightly. "He's far too busy. We need him out in the open. He cannot afford to disappear whereas you and I can. I'm asking you because there is no one else I can trust to do this. It's all about protecting Harry. You can do that, can't you?"

Peter nodded. "Sure." He sat down in one of the chairs in the lounge, fiddling with his fingers, something Sirius had come to recognise as nervousness.

Sirius drew his wand which he had placed back in his pocket once he had greeted Pettigrew at the door. "Ok then. Before I cast the charm making you my Secret Keeper you have to know Dumbledore is waiting for you to see him at Hogwarts. He needs to know my location and he will know if you do not go straight to him. I haven't told him I'm asking you though. But he wants the Secret Keeper to come to him once the charm is active." This was a security measure Dumbledore had insisted upon.

"Is he watching this place?" asked Pettigrew quietly, his voice slightly shaking.

"Yes. He is. He's got his eye over the whole area," Sirius confirmed. "Only way he can make sure everyone is safe." He refused to add that he would break the Fidelius Charm himself if he was attacked: Pettigrew didn't know that. What they needed was Pettigrew to admit he was Secret Keeper. However Sirius was certain Pettigrew would run straight to Voldemort. Peter would expect Sirius to be captured or die and his position as spy would remain intact. Even though the Headmaster had put Sirius under a tracking charm, the use of the Fidelius would render it useless, hence why Dumbledore needed to know the Secret. Still, at least with Sirius performing the charm himself, he'd be able to deactivate the Fidelius if Pettigrew didn't go to Dumbledore. If Sirius' plan spectacularly failed and he was captured and taken from his place of safety at least Dumbledore would be able to trace him.

"And he's waiting for the Secret Keeper at Hogwarts?" Peter confirmed.

Sirius could see the rat's mind working. "If you refuse I will have to obliviate you."

Peter shook his head, his blonde hair falling in strands around his face. "No. I want to be! I think it's a great idea. No one will know it's me apart from you and Dumbledore. Who would suspect me?"

It was then Sirius knew Peter was not intending on going to Dumbledore at all. He'd be running straight to Voldemort to tell him Sirius' location. Peter's tone of voice and his eagerness and knowing the Headmaster didn't know who the identity of the Secret Keeper yet was enough information for Pettigrew to believe he would be getting away easily with betraying Sirius.

"Are you really sure?" asked Sirius again.

Peter nodded. "More than anything. Of course I'll protect you, Padfoot."

Bet you said that to Prongs and Lily when they made you Secret Keeper. Bet you couldn't believe your luck that they'd asked you over me. I'll always regret that choice, even if they are safe now. Voldemort will never get to them. Sirius plastered a smile across his face. "Thanks."

Peter stood from the chair. "I'm ready."

Sure eager to betray me aren't you, little rat? He was careful to maintain a neutral expression.

Sirius raised his wand. "Secretis latentes, Peter Pettigrew! I can only be found at The Old Farm, Farmer's Way, Godric's Hollow." A burst of white light erupted from Sirius' wand and winded its way around them both, tightening the magic that crackled in the air before disappearing as the Secret to Sirius' location was fully encased in Peter Pettigrew.

Pettigrew took a deep breath in. "Did it work? I've never seen that spell before."

"It has," confirmed Sirius. This was one spell he and Dumbledore had practiced together before they had parted ways. "Thanks."

After Peter had left Sirius double-and-triple-checked his traps. Certain everything was in place, Sirius sat down on his settee, his wand resting loosely in his hands.

The waiting game had begun.

Now all he had to do was wait for the inevitable betrayal and hope he would survive the confrontation that was to come.

Thursday 10th December 1981

He was summoned to Voldemort four days after becoming Sirius' Secret Keeper. The Mark burned on his arm and Peter instantly Apparated to the desired destination. He hurried through the doors of a great hall and into a throne room. Peter didn't know exactly where this place – he had just been given the link through the Mark to Apparate to this location. His Master was intelligent enough to not allow anyone save those he trusted most with his exact location.

"I gave you time to acquire the location of Sirius Black. Do you have results, Pettigrew, or will I have the pleasure of killing you for your failure?"

Peter trembled, keeping his head bowed. His voice shook as he spoke. "No…. my Lord… you will not… have to kill me…"

"You have his location," his Master stated coldly.

"I do…. He made me… his Secret Keeper… a few days… ago," answered Peter, knowing his Master would seek to know for how long he had held onto the Secret for.

"You did not come immediately to tell me. Why?" the cold voice accused him.

Peter shivered. "I am still useful to you, my Lord. If I betrayed him right away then I might lose my place as a spy amongst my friends. Sirius… told me no one knows who he has picked… as his… Secret Keeper. Not even Dumbledore is aware of me." He kept his head bowed, praying his Master would not simply kill him upon giving him the Secret. "I thought it best to wait before coming to you."

"Were you given instructions to inform anyone else Black's location?"

Peter shook his head. "I did not follow Sirius' advice. Dumbledore was waiting for the Secret Keeper to tell him where Sirius was but I didn't go so he does not know where Sirius is or my identity."

"Good… You did well in ensuring Albus Dumbledore is incapable of finding Sirius Black."

It was praise Peter had not received before. Yet he could not feel proud. He was about to become an accomplice to murder of one of his best friends. If he told Voldemort where Sirius was there was no way his Master would allow Sirius to live after telling him where James, Lily and Harry were hiding. He was about to betray a friend who trusted him…

It's either me or Sirius. Besides, Sirius will never betray James. They'll live. Sirius may die but You-Know-Who won't get to them. I have to betray him. I'm sorry, Sirius.

Voldemort spoke the cold words. "Where is Sirius Black?"

Peter swallowed. He didn't have a choice. He opened his mouth and willingly betrayed one of his friends.

Friday 11th December 1981

He had expected Pettigrew to not arrive in his office after becoming Sirius' Secret Keeper; what he hadn't expected was Sirius to still be safely in hiding four days after the charm had been cast. Granted it was now the early hours of the fifth day but it made him wonder if Pettigrew had tried to protect the Potter's originally but had ultimately betrayed them to save himself. There was no doubt about it that Pettigrew was a Death Eater but it seemed he wasn't willingly giving the information up that quickly.

"Perhaps he is loyal to us in some ways…" mused the Headmaster out-loud. He did, however, expect Sirius to be betrayed at some point. It was just a matter of when Pettigrew was summoned to the Dark Lord.

It was then, as he considered that very thought, the charms he had placed on Sirius to keep track of his movements and his life signature suddenly alarmed, alerting him that something was wrong. The Fidelius had not been lifted yet. He couldn't see where Sirius was even though he knew where he was, he just wouldn't be able to see the place without having the knowledge from the Secret Keeper.

It was happening. Sirius was in danger. And he needed to break the Fidelius otherwise Dumbledore wouldn't be able to help him.

He could, however, ensure that when the Fidelius Charm did break he was in the right place at the right time.

Leaving a message for his deputy to hold the school while he was off conducting business, Albus Dumbledore quickly made haste through the grounds towards the gates so he could Apparate to Godric's Hollow.

He could feel it in his very bones: history was going to be made this night.

He stood in the road facing The Old Farm. It was an ancient cottage, one that seemed to shine with magical heritage. It was a shame he would have to ruin it to get to his prey. He was sure Black would put up a fight. He would be disappointed if the son of a noble family did not duel him.

Everything he knew about the Black heir pointed to him not being a coward. He was a Gryffindor: he'd stand and fight.

Voldemort smiled as he fingered his wand as his red eyes focused upon the man through the window. He was so certain his trap would work, not knowing that the enemy that sought him already knew.

Black was a fool to leave those papers behind. A good thing Lucius deemed it necessary to copy them. I'm sure Black is intelligent enough to consider I may already know… It will not surprise me if he has added more traps. They will be easy to take down.

He could feel the magic rippling in the air.

A shame Pettigrew couldn't deactivate the Fidelius Charm. Since Black had cast it he was the only one who could but it didn't matter. He'd been told the Secret and he could walk into the house, knowing full well he would meet the man he was after.

He stepped forward again, stopping in front of the gate, one hand hovering over it. He waved his wand, muttering incoherently under his breath as he felt the magic surrounding the house break. Perhaps if he hadn't known about the traps in advance he would have just walked on through and Black's plan would have succeeded… however now he knew of the existence of them he could easily counter-act the defences Black had employed, shattering them easily without him knowing before it was too late.

Focusing his magic, Voldemort let loose a destructive course of energy, completely shattering the defences and destroying the alarms that would have alerted Black to his presence.

Smirking, Voldemort stepped up to the door.

He muttered one word.

"Reducto!"

He felt uneasy.

Pettigrew hadn't betrayed him yet.

And Sirius wondered why.

Or perhaps he had and Voldemort hadn't acted yet, choosing to give Sirius time to get comfortable believing he was safe in trusting Pettigrew. Unless Voldemort was deliberately choosing not to come, especially if he did know of Sirius' plans to trap him. The longer Sirius waited for something to happen, the more paranoid he became.

He was concerned that the notes Dumbledore had retrieved from his ruined flat had been seen and copied by the Death Eaters, choosing to leave them there for Sirius to find if he came back for them. Not knowing if the Death Eaters had seen them was the only drawback in Sirius' plan but they had to go with it, in the hope the Death Eaters had not been intelligent enough to copy the notes and show them to their Master.

Since he'd had time in the days since the Fidelius Charm had been cast, Sirius had set up additional traps and had several other plans that he could fall back on if Voldemort came calling and easily disarmed his traps.

All he could do was wait.

Sirius rubbed a weary hand down his face. It was getting late. Perhaps he should go to bed. But he still felt uneasy. He felt something was going to happen. He felt like he was being watched.

As he stepped out of the living room and into the hallway to make his way towards the stairs, the front door burst open and Sirius went flying as a spell impacted against his chest. His wand was ripped from his hand with a well-placed disarming spell. Laughter echoed in his ears as Lord Voldemort stepped into the house, his red eyed focusing upon him as Sirius got slowly to his feet, his wand now being held in Voldemort's left hand.

Sirius reached for his mental link with the traps he had set. They weren't there. The traps were gone. As had his alarms he'd put in place to warn him of any unexpected visitors.

"You are such a fool to go through with your plan to trap me, Black," laughed Voldemort. "I have easily disarmed your pitiful attempts to lure me into one." He stepped forward, a malevolent grin spreading across his once handsome face. "You're mine now."

Shit. He knew.

He was dead. So, so dead.

Harry was crying as Lily cradled him in her arms. He'd been crying for ten minutes non-stop and she couldn't figure out why. He'd been sleeping calmly in his crib in the nursery when he'd started to cry. He wasn't hungry and as far as Lily could tell he hadn't had a nightmare. Her charms would have picked up on it but something was distressing him.

"Oh Harry… Muma's here. Dada's here." She looked over her shoulder as James approached her, his messy hair sticking up and he yawned widely.

"He usually sleeps through the night," he commented.

Lily nodded. Harry rarely woke up in the night anymore. "I don't know what's upsetting him." She hugged him tighter as tears continued to fall from his bright green eyes. He was pulling on her hair, clutching her night dress and seeking any comfort he could.

More minutes past and still Harry would not stop crying. Nothing could distract him: toys, singing and James even turned into Prongs to try to distract his son, but nothing worked. Harry kept on crying.

James opened the curtains and led Lily to the window. "Hey, Harry. Look out there. Do you see our cat?" Below them he could just make out the tail of their cat. It often sneaked outside at night.

Harry didn't pay attention, just turned his head away from the window, crying louder.

Lily sighed. "Nice try, James."

Then Harry stopped crying. His little head turned and his bright green eyes shone with tears as he looked out of the window, just as a huge explosion echoed a few streets away. Fire erupted from a house and smoke quickly cascaded into the air.

"What the-?" James leapt forward, pressing his nose against the glass. "What?"

But it was Harry's next words that got their full attention.

"Pafoo. Pafoo's hurt."

To be continued...

Please let me know what you think!

The confrontation between Sirius and Voldemort is in the next chapter and will be posted next week.

So a few notes about this chapter...

In case anyone is wondering why they are even bothering to use Peter to protect Sirius, its all because they would need proof to be able to bring Peter to trial. They need concrete proof to bring him to trial and since no one suspects him it would be difficult to do so, so Sirius and Dumbledore are now witness to this. Also, Sirius knows that if he isn't hidden with the Fidelius charm, Voldemort would just send his Death Eaters to capture him. Having a Secret Keeper himself means its much more likely Voldemort will come himself.

It's never been said what the incantation for the Fidelius Charm is so I just made it up using a translator.

I decided to make Peter wait a few days before betraying Sirius just to really try a new angle with Peter as a character. I think he still cares for his friends in his own odd way but in the end his life is more important to him so he won't willingly go to Voldemort with the information but will give it if he's asked.

Sirius hiding in Godric's Hollow... It's just easier for Dumbledore. That's all there is to it.

And, yes Voldemort does know about the traps... Oops.

And the explosion that James and Lily witnessed is from the building Sirius is in. Again, oops.

I am in the middle of writing the next chapter and it will be posted next week!

Until then,

the-writer1988