The Leader

Chapter 19

Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew groaned weakly as he began to stir, grimacing as he began to feel the aches and pains. His brown eyes snapped open as he observed his surroundings. Only then did he remember what had happened; he had been captured by vampires, no less. Right outside his Lord's hideout; he had to get back and warn him. His desire wasn't out of loyalty, but survival. He knew that without his Lord, freedom would never be his, and he didn't want to live his entire life as a rat. Preparing to shift, he yelled out in agony as he was electrocuted. Panting and wheezing, his mind whirled dangerously - what the hell was wrong with him? Why couldn't he shift into his Animagus form? Nothing like this had happened before…the vampires had done something to him.

Breathing out evenly, he sat himself up, his beady eyes roaming around the room he was being held in. There was absolutely nothing in it, no blanket, no toilet, no window, nothing. The thought of a toilet made him realize just how desperately he needed to go. His stomach was cramping something awful just trying to hold it in. Why couldn't he transform? A spell? How long would it last? He didn't relish trying every few minutes and ending up electrocuted, which is exactly what it felt like, the electrocution spell. Compared to the Cruciatus Curse his Lord liked to use, it was a tickle in comparison but it was still painful enough for him to not relishing the thought of it being used on him.

Ten minutes later, he was no closer to trying to change into his Animagus form again, as he shivered, his teeth chattering together. He wouldn't be surprised if his lips were blue at this point. Unfortunately he couldn't see much in front of him, the room was in near enough to complete darkness.

The door slamming open violently had him jumping in fright, at the very same time he lost the fight to keep his bladder from losing control. The wetness began to spread immediately, much to Pettigrew's complete humiliation, if there was ever a time he wished he could change into his Animagus form... it would be now. He was too terrified to try again, instead his beady eyes tried to see who was in the room with him.

Harry observed the disgusting creature in front of him; he was truly foul, and it wasn't just the smell emanating from him either. Waving his hand he absently lit the room, allowing Pettigrew to see who he was dealing with. On the other hand he had been able to see perfectly fine. One of the many benefits of being a vampire, the ability to see everything around him without the aid of light.

"You have no idea who you are dealing with," said Pettigrew his voice squeaky, his terror evident but he was staring at Harry eye to eye.

"Peter Alan Pettigrew, son of Alan and Rachel Pettigrew, both magical; your father died when you were five years old― his murder is still unsolved. Your mother is still alive, thinking her son died a hero's death…for now. You were formally known by several names, Wormtail being one, Scabbers the other. You received an Order of Merlin, and are considered by the magical world as having been killed trying to bring down Sirius Black. You went to Hogwarts in 1971 and were sorted into Gryffindor house. Whereupon you became friends with three boys you admired due to their popularity. You like befriending those that would keep you safe from harm, even at the age of eleven…How you convinced the hat to place you in Gryffindor is anyone's guess…since that is a purely Slytherin move. During the first wizarding war you became a member of the Order of the Phoenix, an organization that was started by Albus Dumbledore to bring down Voldemort," Harry recited calmly, watching Pettigrew become more terrified. He smirked ferally when the wizard flinched at a mere name; pathetic really didn't cover it.

"You became the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter and their only son Harry Potter. Nobody else other than Sirius Black knew about it, in a bid to make you safe as Sirius Black played decoy. One week after the spell had been cast you ran to Voldemort and told him about it. You betrayed your best friends and their only son. Once you had done that, you framed another friend, Black, for the crime, killing twelve Muggles in the process. You cut off your own finger, before fleeing into the sewers as a rat. Then when you realized you'd need to keep an eye out on Wizarding news, you fled to the Weasleys who took you in as a pet, for their son― I believe Percy Weasley. When I get a minute I would like to ask them why the hell they wanted their children around rats. They're disgusting things that aren't even worth the blood pumping through them."

Severus chuckled from the shadows as he watched the proceedings. Harry had a way with words... it was amusing.

"This is where it gets sketchy, but I believe you stayed until Ronald Weasley's third year before you fled. Reports are that you were eaten by a ginger cat belonging to Hermione Granger; smart cat. The cat knew exactly what you were and wouldn't let up. You fled before it actually did any damage which would have forced you to change back to your natural form and expose you as the traitorous bastard that you are. You found Voldemort and helped bring him back…what you did afterwards, well…we'll get that information in time," Harry calmly stated.

"Who are you? An Unspeakable? An Auror?" said Pettigrew, figuring it was the only way the vampire could get so much information on him.

"Neither, but if you have the right contacts you can find out anything," said Harry smugly. "Voldemort isn't the only one who can get information, Pettigrew, the fact you think so is highly of him is contemptible. So where is he now? Who is going to protect you from me?"

"I'm not telling you anything," said Pettigrew trying to sound sure but he just sounded desperate.

"Oh, you would tell me everything I wanted, I wouldn't even need to touch you, but I have more…persuasive measures in place," Harry simply said, his tone menacing.

Pettigrew squeaked, shoving himself into the corner in a pathetic bid to protect himself from what was coming.

He didn't have a chance; Harry just yanked his head back as if it was made from foam. Harry's leg wrapped around Pettigrew's neck, before he pried his jaw open and put three drops in, not really caring about the safety limit. As soon as he was done he let go of Pettigrew, grimacing in disgust. The urge to snap his neck was strong; instead he stood back waiting for the improved Veritaserum to work.

"You should just torture and kill him," said Severus whispering so softly that Pettigrew couldn't hear but Harry surely could.

Harry chuckled softly, "Believe me I would like nothing more than to do just that; regretfully he would need to be alive and questioned by the Ministry for Black to be granted his freedom."

Severus rolled his eyes, he couldn't care less about Black if he was honest, and the urge to kill Pettigrew was strong. If he thought he could actually do it and get away with it, he would. Unfortunately he wouldn't test Harry, not with something like this. Yes, Harry wasn't like Voldemort or Dumbledore, and didn't expect anything from him; he still wasn't going to risk this new side, his last chance at living... now that he wasn't so eager to give in, not even for Pettigrew.

"What's your name?" demanded Harry curtly.

"Peter Alan Pettigrew," confessed Pettigrew, sitting there as if he was catatonic, his face blank as he stared at the wall.

"What are Voldemort's current plans?" demanded Harry.

Pettigrew didn't answer.

"What are Voldemort's current orders?" amended Harry.

"He wants more werewolves on his side; he's told Greyback if he doesn't bring him an army then he would kill his cub," said Pettigrew, without the slightest remorse in his voice.

"Who is his cub?" asked Harry thrown.

"Aaron Greyback," revealed Pettigrew.

Harry looked over at Severus wondering if this was news to him, and judging by the look on his face it was. Greyback had a child―that was a genuine surprise; judging by the comment of 'cub' the boy had been born a werewolf.

"Have you seen him?" wondered Harry.

"Yes." He went everywhere with his Master.

"What age is he?" Harry asked, staring at the rat in consternation.

"Three years old." Pettigrew told him.

"Where is he being held?" snarled Harry, fisting his hands; he hated injustice, it didn't matter what Greyback had done, his son didn't deserve to pay the price for the sins of the father.

"Malfoy Manor," said Pettigrew.

"Does Greyback know that?" Severus whispered cautiously.

Harry repeated the question to Pettigrew.

"No, I'm the only one that knows," revealed Pettigrew.

"Which means as soon as Pettigrew is known to be captured the boy will be either killed or moved," Severus stated sharply.

Harry nodded. The boy would be killed by Lucius to maintain his freedom; the boy was expendable either way.

"How did Voldemort find out about Aaron Greyback?" questioned Harry.

"He has contacts in the Ministry, he knew as soon as he came back. He took him to make sure Greyback kept in line," said Pettigrew.

"Did he do that during the last war? What caused Greyback to possibly deflect?" Severus asked. Had they threatened someone else? It would explain why Greyback hated everyone around him, and at the same time let them treat him like shit.

Harry smirked; a man after his own heart, those had been his exact thoughts.

"Did the same thing happen during the last war?" enquired Harry, leaning against the wall leisurely. It was going to be a long interrogation by the look of things.

"I don't know." He had been spying, so he was rarely around his Lord to know that information.

"What do you think, Severus?" wondered Harry moving to the other side of the room, which was cloaked in darkness.

"Obviously something happened to make Greyback back out, or he was never quite as willing as I assumed," murmured Severus thoughtfully.

"I wonder what it was," mused Harry before moving back within earshot of Pettigrew.

"Is Malfoy Manor his base of operations?" asked Harry.

"No," replied Pettigrew.

So it would just be the Malfoys that would be there; it would make things easier to get the kid.

"What other orders has Voldemort given?" asked Harry.

"He wants the vampires on his side or eliminated," said Pettigrew.

"Has he been in touch with any vampires?" asked Harry, stiffening, his eyes narrowed.

"Yes," revealed Pettigrew.

"Which group?" demanded Harry, viciously.

"Emilio," confessed Pettigrew.

Harry roared in anger, smashing his fist into the wall, furious beyond belief.

Severus watched Harry closely, but didn't dare approach him, he had thought he'd seen him angry but this…this was beyond anger. This was rage at its greatest, but there was also something else in there, pain unless he was very much mistaken. Harry would more than likely lash out at any contact, he could remember a time in his life when he was like that, before the grief had taken hold. The night Lily died, and all the measures he'd taken to protect her had been for nothing. Had Harry been betrayed by someone close?

"Who leads them?" growled Harry, still facing the wall.

"A vampire named Callahan," replied Pettigrew.

"How many?" snarled Harry.

"Only five, right now, but the Dark Lord promised them more numbers, meals, and safety from the Ministry's persecutions," said Pettigrew.

"Why did they join?"

"They want revenge on someone, but they refused to say who," revealed Pettigrew.

"Where are they located?" asked Harry.

"They're underground, somewhere near Kings Cross," revealed Pettigrew.

"Have they taken the Dark Mark?" demanded Harry.

"No," answered Pettigrew.

"Did they tell Voldemort about any other covens?" Harry asked, dreading the answer.

"The Dark Lord wanted them to, but they refused to reveal any covens," Pettigrew told him.

Harry sighed in relief; at least he wasn't going to have to set up somewhere new. He knew he shouldn't have let that damn shit survive, now it was coming back to bite him in the ass. He couldn't let the vampires join Voldemort, he was trying to give them a better life. Vampires on Voldemort's side... bad idea, and it would just show them in a bad light. Plus the fact it was a coven he wanted completely Obliterated.

"Any other orders?" asked Harry.

"Lucius is to get closer to Fudge, determine if he could be turned, or he will be killed."

"Anything else?" demanded Harry.

"He wants a few of his Death Eaters to infiltrate the Ministry, get jobs there so the takeover will happen without anyone noticing."

"How many are in the Ministry right now?"

"Three," said both Pettigrew and Severus.

"Why did you betray your friends?" asked Harry, getting to something personal. Even from the other side of the room, Harry could sense Severus stiffening.

"He got to me, threatened to kill me, I joined to survive," said Pettigrew.

"How did Voldemort survive?" Harry asked gritting his teeth.

"My Lord created Horcruxes," said Peter, he had been there when he created one from his snake ― Nagini. He wasn't stupid, so he knew that his Lord had created more before, otherwise he wouldn't have survived that awful Halloween night.

"How many?" demanded Harry, harshly.

"I don't know, My Lord would never say," Peter confessed still speaking blankly.

"So much for the theory of him knowing," Harry grumbled to Severus.

"How did you find out about the Horcruxes?" Severus said his voice melodic and stern, his hands twitching with the desire to wring the neck of the disgusting thing across from him. He would have given in to that temptation if not for the powerful wizard next to him; surprisingly, Harry was keeping him grounded.

"He made one when he returned," Peter told them bluntly and most unwillingly.

"Which is where, and what?"

"His snake, Nagini."

"Whom did he use?" Harry pressed.

"Bertha Jorkins."

"I'm not familiar with her," Harry admitted, looking over at Severus briefly.

"Ministry worker, went missing years ago, was in Albania on holiday, wasn't seen again. She was rumoured to be quite...idiotic; they assumed she had gotten lost; it took ages for them to start looking for her. It seemed their searches would have been for nothing, even if they had begun searching immediately," Severus told Harry, remembering the information from the Daily Prophet. The scurrilous rag wasn't always completely useless.

Harry nodded strongly, watching Pettigrew, knowing the potion was wearing off. That was the problem of making something more compelling, it didn't last quite as long as the weaker version in terms of getting real information.

Harry raised his wand, pointing it straight at Pettigrew's head. Now, he didn't normally need his wand, but there was nothing scary about someone pointing their hand in your direction with nothing in it. The wand had the reaction he expected, and desired.

"Please," snivelled Peter, shaking and shivering, his brown eyes wide with fear as he regarded Harry in naked terror.

"Do you even know who I am? Who you are begging to save your life?" sneered Harry, baring his teeth, relishing the shudders and trembles coming from him.

Peter shook his head violently, no, he didn't know who this was, and quite frankly he didn't want to either.

"I am the son of the best friends you betrayed," growled Harry, right up in his face, green eyes glowing with power. "Stupefy!" It wasn't the spell he really wanted to use on the bastard who had essentially killed his parents, but it would have to do for now.

"If you would permit…who or what is Emilio?" questioned Severus cautiously.

Harry's head snapped up, his hands twitching as if he wanted to curse Severus for his impertinence. Before long the anger left him and he sighed. "They killed my Sire; they were the ones responsible for killing Kai. Not only Kai, but the rest of the coven. The others I hadn't even met yet, other than Rick, but he wasn't officially a part of the coven, just good friends with Kai. He must have kept me a secret because of the conflict between them. When they came for him, he made sure I couldn't help him, not that I would have been much help against ten vampires but still…"

"I see," said Severus solemnly.

"I tracked that coven down after I gathered enough support, those that were willing to stand beside me. It was a fair fight though; it wasn't a complete slaughter like they did to Kai and his people. There had been a young vampire who refused to fight; I made the mistake of allowing him to live. At the time he hadn't been a threat, had no desire to get back at us so we let him go," added Harry bitterly.

"Callahan?" guessed Severus, but it wasn't a guess, not really.

"Yes; although if he is trying to get back at me, I don't understand why he would refuse to tell Voldemort where we were," said Harry, it was baffling to say the least.

"He must know how big you are, that he doesn't have a chance; the Dark Lord is rather… overconfident. He thinks everyone can be threatened and bought. Perhaps he is waiting until his coven is bigger? After that maybe he would hunt you down himself, it's exactly what I would do." said Severus bluntly.

"Callahan is a coward, he wouldn't fight to save his own coven, why would he want to engage me in a fight?" protested Harry, "It makes no logical sense."

"Anger never makes sense, it causes you to leap blindly, and perhaps he thinks if he can get enough people he can overthrow you. Then if it backfires he gets to hide behind someone powerful enough to protect him, just like Pettigrew," argued Severus. "Desperate people don't make logical sense." It was obvious to Severus that Harry couldn't conceive of anyone being stupid or desperate enough to do something that would cause their deaths, something rash. Harry had logic on his mind when he was making his plans, and even when dealing with people he didn't like or cared a great deal about, everything had a rhyme and a reason to it. Even when Kai had died apparently, since he built himself up first, then attacked the coven. A level-head; it made him a good leader, even if it seemed sometimes that he didn't care, but they'd all seen his generosity and knew otherwise.

"Dobby?" called Harry.

"Yes, Sir?" answered the House-Elf making an appearance in the dungeons, shivering at the cold. He wasn't used to the dungeons anymore. He slept in a warm room, not a horrible cage in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor.

"Tell Madam Bones that she will have a guest by the end of tonight," said Harry grimly; perhaps his House-Elf having been employed by the Malfoys was a good thing after all.

"Dobby will do that," said the House-Elf, disappearing.

"You have until eight o'clock tonight to have your fun, and then he's the problem of the Ministry, at least until he gets transferred to Azkaban," Harry told him savagely, not mentioning that the problem would then be completely eradicated. It was good having a lot of money; it meant he could pay people to do his bidding, with no questions asked.

"Where are you going?" questioned Severus, curiously.

"You know where," Harry said softly, "A three year old boy doesn't deserve to be in the hands of sadists. As soon as word of Pettigrew's capture reaches the Dark Lord, anyone expendable will be killed. Which means that boy will die if we don't get to him before tonight."

Severus looked between Pettigrew and Harry, torn; he wanted revenge desperately, but he would also like to go with them. He owed Harry his life; he wanted to return that favour and keep him safe. Oh, who was he kidding? He wanted to be part of the battle, if there even was one. Maybe not at Malfoy Manor, but the vampires were definitely going to have a battle... that he regretfully wouldn't be able to keep up with, he admitted to himself with a sigh. Any wizard who thought they could take on a vampire was insane; they could tear your throat out quicker than you could see them.

"And the Emilio clan?" enquired Severus.

"Not today, but it will have to happen soon, before any more join him," said Harry, gritting his teeth, his eyes dark and vengeful. Turning people just to get revenge― oh, the idiot was going to die a horrible, agonisingly painful death. It didn't matter whether the victims were wizards or Muggles.

"Why not now?" Severus asked thoughtfully.

"I will be indisposed for a fortnight, helping you go through the change," Harry answered, his calm restored.

"It will not take long to raid Malfoy Manor; I wish to accompany you," Severus told him, demandingly.

"Very well," conceded Harry, seeing no reason to deny Severus his request.

Edited by Jordre Thank you!