I tried posting this separately as it's own story but I think reposting it here will be easier

First Wizarding War

Book II: Age of the Phoenix

Chapter I: The Guardian

Music Choice: Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner

Pettigrew Mansion - 1967...

Peter Pettigrew never knew his father, his true one anyway. His mother, Twilaigh was on her own when she discovered she was going to have a child, and was cast out from her family when her son was born. She found love again though, remarrying to a Half-blood wizard named Pettigrew when Peter was still a baby and the man fell fast for both Twilaigh and her son. His family wasn't well known in the Wizarding community, but for years, the Pettigrew's worked to build a name for themselves that would provide a better opportunity for their son. Mr. Pettigrew funded their extravagant lifestyle and social climing through less than honest business practices and an occasional lucky bet at the Quidditch Matches. A grand house was acquired full of staff that was managed by Peter's mother while Mr. Pettigrew started making as many connections as he could with members of the 'Sacred 28' Pureblood families. Their plans to build their status were only just beginning. Peter had a governess, a private tutor and was on the way to being a well rounded boy that would attend Hogwarts, when one day his growth was stunted in a traumatic event.

Peter stood in the grand foyer of his home and eves dropped on the discussion happening in his step-father's study. He was only 7-years-old, and despite having a cast on his arm, had snuck out of bed while his governess was asleep to spy on the conversation. It has been a week since his step-father was killed by a muggle drunk driver on their walk back from a social function and his mother admitted to Saint Mungos, fighting for he own life. Young Peter cracked the door slightly to listen better to the words of the estate's executor who was speaking with his uncle.

"But surely I get something?!" Peter's angry uncle said.

"You do," the executor replied, "You're next of kin to the boy. He will be your responsibility now."

"What am I going to do with a stuffy nosed bastard? Doesn't his mother have any other family?"

"Your sister-in-law is estranged from her family. The boy must go home with you until she recovers."

"And when will that be?"

"Saint Mungos is doing what they can for her but she may be paralyzed for life if the potions weren't administered fast enough. But even if she survives, she can't raise the boy alone in her condition."

"Well what else do I get out of it? Is their estate going to come to me?"

"Mr. Pettigrew, your brother didn't have a will and didn't settle where the money would go once he passed. I encouraged them to consider this many times, but your bother was new to this way of life. He didn't think it was needed to lock up the money at such a young age. Therefore the majority of the funds will go to paying off this estate's debt to Gringott's Bank, the small amount left will assist his wife and step-son."

"So that's it then? I get skipped? Cut out? My brother gets run down by a drunk muggle and I'm left with his snot-nosed kid who can't even hold a wand yet?" The man fell backwards into a chair and look around the room. "And the house?"

"It will be sold, along with everything else."

"Do you think an orphanage will take the kid?" Peter's uncle grumbled and the small child stifled a gasp from his hiding place.

"Mr. Pettigrew, this is your nephew! The boy watched his parents get crushed in the street and almost died himself. Have some sympathy."

"Sympathy? What about me? My brother sent me galleons by the barrel each week and now I'm going to get nothing after my brother worked so hard to take our name from working class to a higher social status like the Pureblood names? You're from one of the Sacred 28 families, aren't ye? You know how it is. Without my brother's money and with that kid putting along behind me all the time, I'll never be able to get on their good sides."

"How sad for you," the man replied sarcastically and said, "Please be here tomorrow to help organize for the estate sale." With that he grabbed his hat and cloak and left the room.

Peter shuffled to the side to try hiding behind one of the marble statues in the grand foyer but wasn't quick enough as the man emerged from the study. "Oh!" He startled. "Peter. Did you... hear any of that?" Peter just nodded and the man kneeled beside him. "I'm very sorry, my boy, really I am."

"Am I a nobody now?" Peter asked between sniffles as he held tears back. "Am I an orphan?"

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, boy."

"My mum is going to die too, isn't she? It's my fault. I'd walked into the street to catch a toad. I wasn't looking and father pushed me out of the way-"

"Your parents did what they needed to to protect you. I'm sure if they were here now they wouldn't change a thing. I know he wasn't your birth-father, Peter, but he wanted the world for you and your mother. He told me so," He looked around the elaborate room. "I'm just sorry things didn't work out." The man pulled his card out. "I'll work with the penny pinchers at Gringotts to ensure that not all your father's debt swallows the money. I'll make sure you have what you need to get through school and Hogwarts, ok? But if you ever just need someone on your side, you send an owl here. Ok?"

Peter just nodded and took the man's business card, reading his name that was in gold font.

"Don't worry, Peter. You're not a nobody. One day, you'll see your step-father's dream realized. You'll make a name for yourself and everyone will know the name 'Pettigrew'."

January 1, 1980 - Isle of Skye Safe House

The Order of the Phoenix was facing a new year. It had grown into quite an organized group, far from the rabble that gathered at the pub that Autumn day in 1979. James Potter, Frank Longbottom and Madeye Moody all were appointed as leaders in their own factions, the Prewitt brothers took their roles as recruiters seriously, Arthur Weasley and Mary MacDonald kept an eye on the Ministry along with the Longbottoms as they all had roles in different departments. This week, Dumbledore would host a meeting following the events of their last mission on Christmas Eve. While all Order Members made it out alive, the Potter and Longbottom factions of the Order were clearly marked as targets for Death Eaters making it unsafe for them to split up. Albus arranged a Safe House for the Potter faction, not far off the coast, on the Isle of Skyy. The house was the same place Lily and James had hidden for their honeymoon but was spacious enough to also fit Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin and Tabitha Delaney while the McKinnons hosted the Prewitt brothers at what was left of their castle in Ireland.

Only, a week had gone by since Lily discovered she was pregnant. Only a week since James' parents had passed away. Only a week since Death Eaters faced off against The Order in a race to find "The Guardian" prophecy which Lord Voldemort sought. The turning of the decade, however, made this week seem like more time had passed as our group awoke their first morning in the Safehouse. The simple historic home looked out over the coastline and the salty ocean air flowed through the tall grasses.

The most surprising thing of all to start the year though, was that Remus Lupin did not wake up alone on New Year's Day. The night before had been a bit of a blur as most night leading up to the moon were. He felt something heavy on his arm and tried to move it but someone moved beside him.

"Morning," Tabitha Delaney's voice came.

"Morning," Remus said softly. Suddenly he jerked his eyes awake and said again, "Morning?!"

He and Tabitha shot up in the bed. Remus stared at the girl beside him. His fellow Gryffindor, with her sandy hair and hazel eyes, finally so close to him after denying their feelings time and time again. But now, he still couldn't believe they were together.

"Did we spend all night together?" The Irish witch asked embarrassed.

"Yyyyup." He replied. "Are you ok?"

"I'm ok. Are you ok?"

"I'm... ok. Really ok."

"Ok." She just stared at him and he finally smiled.

It had taken them since fifth year to get to this point and yet, he still felt mildly embarrassed. "Come on," He lay back down and let her rest her head back on his chest and took a breath to calm down, resting his eyes.

"Your heart is racing."

"I guess I feel sort of scandallous," He laughed. "The boys would be so proud of me."

"Don't be crass, Rem."

"Sorry. But I did spend a lot of my youth with Sirius. I can't help it" He ran his hand up her arm and stopped just short of a scar that had now healed. It was where Fenrir Greyback had carved his initial into her skin during her imprisonment, a threat that Remus' attempt to find happiness would be fruitless and dangerous for everyone.

Suddenly, he heard someone call for Remus in the hallway. "That's James!"

They looked at each other slightly panicked and Tabitha, scrambling to stand up, fell off the other side of the bed and onto the floor. Remus grabbed her sweater and tossed it over the edge of the bed on top of her, his ring slipping from his hand. "My ring!" Tabitha caught it and ducked just as the door opened. He looked back, Tabitha staying down on the floor to hide behind the bed, as James walked inside.

"Moony. I can't find Sirius anywhere!" Potter said in a panic.

"I haven't seen him, Prongs. Everything ok?"

"It's bloody important I find him. I'm freaking out! I-" James paused for a moment and stared at him. "Are you... nude, Moony?"

"No..." he said but James didn't seem convinced so he added, "I'm just in my boxers is all."

"A bit cold for that don't you think?"

"Well it's not like you haven't seen me half naked before!" Remus snapped, "Why is it so odd now?"

"Oooookayyyyy. I'll just leave you to, whatever you were doing." James shut the door and Remus looked back just in time to see Tabitha pop back up on the other side of the bed.

"James has seen you half naked?" She asked as she pulled her sweater over her head.

"I've got to nearly undress before the moon so I don't rip my clothes."

"Oh..." She looked slightly uneasy at that. "About that. We only have one more night until the moon."

"Which is why I was so... eager... last night," Remus said bashfully.

"Remus Lupin," Tabitha smirked and teased, "Are you saying you're using me to satisfy the moon's impulses?"

"I could never use you, Tabitha."

"Didn't think so."

"And anyway, I don't know why you keep saying 'we' when you speak of the full moon. Just because I told you my secret doesn't make it your responsibility too. And the only reason I told you was to try and keep you safe and away from me."

"How's that working for ye?" She winked and heard Lily calling for her and sighed, "Now what?"

"Go on." Remus said. "I've got to get dressed."

"Why bother, if everyone is so used to seeing you in nothing but your boxers?" She snickered and Remus tossed a pillow at her which she dodged. "Ok! Ok! I'm going."

"Hey Tabs?" He called just before she opened the door.

"Hmm?"

"Are you happy? It's not too late to turn back you know. I'll understand." He thought through how long it had taken the to finally admit their feelings, but he worried being together was wishful thinking and only a matter of time before someone got hurt.

"I'm happy, Rem."

"Ok. Then that's settled."

Sirius was finishing a smoke outside as the voices of the past few months flew about his head. He thought of the request form Remus, the rejection from Marlene, and the wish from the late Euphemia Potter:

"This beast is getting stronger than I can control, Sirius. I could kill you all. I could wake up one morning and find my worst nightmare come to life. You have to promise me you won't let that happen... no matter what it takes."

"Sirius, I can trust you with my life but not my heart. I'm sorry. You have no idea how much I want to. "

"My Sirius. You always find reasons to be so somber. This week you will be 20 years old. Don't you suppose it is time to stop putting on heirs and find a reason to be happy?"

"Sirius?" This time the voice came from outside his mind, causing him to jump a bit. He looked over and saw Lily standing in the doorway of the small home.

"Potter. Coming to scold me about smoking since McKinnon isn't here to do it."

"James is looking for you," she said gently.

Sirius took a final puff and tossed the cigarette onto the damp earth. He tried to pass her without a word, but she took his arm. In an instant, her touch calmed the voices in his head. "How the fuck do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"That healing presence you have," he now titled his head as he looked in her eye, "Something is different about you this week."

"Just go talk to James," she smiled but before allowing him to leave she pulled him in to kiss his cheek. Sirius smiled back at her and walked inside and upstairs.

The moment Sirius was in the hall, James emerged from the bedroom and spotted him. "Where the hell have you been?" Before letting him answer he grabbed his friend by the arm and pulled him into his bedroom.

"Where's the fire, Potter?"

"I need to tell you something," James said seriously. "I've been wanting to tell you for a week but Lily wouldn't let me." She said we had to be sure first and with everyone in such closed quarters at Hogwarts, this is the first moment I've had alone with you to tell you."

"Getting divorced already? I knew she'd get sick of you," he laughed but when Jame's didn't join, he looked worried.

"You should sit." James took out his wand and motioned to the door, closing and locking it. Sirius sat nervously on the edge of the bed. James took a breath and said, "Lily's pregnant." Sirius processed the information silently but James' impatience got the better of him. "Padfoot?"

"Did I teach you... NOTHING about protection?!"

"What?"

"James Potter finally looses his virginity-"

"Oi! I wasn't a-"

"And he knocks up the girl the first time he does it?!"

"Well, we can't be sure it happened our first time. It was a long honeymoon," He smirked, "and you have to admit that bed is comfortable." He nodded to the bed and Sirius glanced down at the frilly comforter he sat upon. At the realization of what James implied he jumped up and let out a disgusted shiver, then brushed himself off. James burst out laughing and looked at his friend, "So? What do you think?"

"I think," He smiled softly, "I wish your folks were here..."

"Yea. Me too," James smiled as he realized it had already been a week since he watched his parents slip away to illness. "Are you happy, Padfoot? I've wanted to tell you all week but I've also been so scared."

"I'm relieved!" He chuckled, "You've been avoiding me. At first I thought you'd lost trust in me after what happened on Christmas Eve."

"Loose faith in you? Sirius, I never could. I trust you more than anything. I trust all you boys, but I especially wanted to tell you first because," he paused.

"Because?"

"Because I want you to be part of my kids life as more than just their Dad's mate." He beamed, "I want you to be our child's godfather, Sirius.

Sirius nearly sat back down on the bed but stopped himself and just grabbed the bedpost to stay steady at this request. "Godfather? James, surely someone else..."

"Padfoot. If something happens to me or Lily, I need to know my kid will be ok. I want the world for this little thing, and I haven't even met them yet. I need to know they are raised with people who love them, who has fun with them, who provides for them and will protect them."

"Not exactly describing the home I grew up in, mate."

"What are you talking about? You grew up with two parents that loved you - Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. You have a brother that would die for you, and his name is Me. So you know loyalty. You have friends you fight alongside, so you know what it takes to protect."

"James. I almost killed McKinnon last week."

"You were under an imperious curse, Padfoot. That wasn't you. You love your friends. You'd never hurt us."

"Love? I don't know how to fucking love," he said in a defeated tone. "I don't think you should-"

"No!" James walked forward and embraced his friend. "This is love, Sirius. This is support. This is loyalty. I know you hide from it. I know you act like you aren't familiar with it. But this is what a loving family looks like." He pulled back and pat his friend on his chest. "and this is what the godfather of my child looks like. I'm scared to be a dad, Sirius. And I'm not sure I'm ready. But you've been ready to be a godfather since the day you came up with the idea of helping Moony during full moons. Please, say you'll be there for my son. That way no matter what happens, I know he will have someone who never lets a harsh word or harm befall him." James let his wish of the gender slip in the last moment and it made the situation more real to them both.

"Of course, James. Of course I will. I'm so bloody happy for you." The two embraced again tightly.

"Padfoot?" James asked after a moment.

"Yea, Prongs?"

"Have you been fucking smoking again?"

"Shhhhh," Sirius said and pat his friend on the back, "Don't ruin the moment, Potter."

Meanwhile at Knockturn Alley...

Gideon and Fabian Prewitt sat atop a Knockturn Alley roof where they'd spent the better half of the dawn spying on the streets, staying warm in sweaters their sister had knitted for them.

"We should open a shop," Fabian blurted out.

"We are a bit busy don't you think?"

"I mean after the war. If things at the ministry keep going the way that Longbottom says then our brother-in-law isn't going to move up to a wealthy position any time soon."

"It's not our job to take care of Molly and her husband."

"But she took care of us when we lost Mum," Fabian said softly. "They can't fit all those boys in that house, and now she's about to have another one."

"I suppose. Plus, the twins are getting a bit rambunctious," Gideon rolled over onto his back and stared up at the stars. Times like these, he often enjoyed staring up into the heavens which had seen it all since the dawn of time and yet stayed the same night after night. "So what's this shop going to do to solve it?"

Fabian perked up at the question. "It could have a bit of everything really. Then we have something that would entertain Molly's kids so, I don't know, maybe we could play with them while we work, get to know our nephews a bit more."

"Ah," Gideon looked over at this brother now, "So that's what this is about? Are you tiring of being Order Recruiter Prewitt and ready to be Uncle Fabe now?"

"I just..." he sighed, "We've only got another year before Bill goes to Hogwarts and I barely know him. We spend more time on missions with the McKinnon's than with our own family. I bet you know more of Angus McKinnon's life than anyone else's."

"More than you know," Gideon mumbled to himself then looked back up the sky.

'What?"

"Nothing." He sat up. "Don't worry mate. When it's all over, we will open the shop. Prewitt Brother's Mercantile. Molly can have her own rack of sweaters for sale, the kids will run all over and the place will be filled with more laughter and magic than a Quidditch bonfire. Alright?"

"Promise?"

"Of course. And you know I'd sooner die than break a promise to you."

"I know," Fabian smiled. Just then they heard a door close below and Fabian peered over the edge of the roof. "Shit. Look who's flat we've been atop this whole time," he whispered. They saw a man with dark features, thin in build, with a trench coat that swallowed him like a cape walking down the crooked steps of the flat to the alley below, "That's Maximus Forrestor. The Dung Eater that kidnapped Tabitha a few months ago."

"Don't you mean Death Eater?"

"I like my version of it better," Fabian smirked, "Tabitha said he's a recruiter for Voldemort like we are for The Order. Guy gives me the creeps."

Just then the door to the flat opened again and Fenrir Greyback followed, the steps shaking as he stomped down them after Max.

"Speaking of creeps. A match made in heaven. Never thought of either as swinging that way though." Fabian said.

"Where are they going?"

"Just there, little shop. What's the sign say?"

"Borgin and Burkes? Isn't that a cruio shop?"

"Curio? Like a kink shop?"

Gideon punched his brother in the arm, "Will you get your mind off everyone's bedroom secrets and pay attention? It's just a collection of dark and historic relics. I remember Hagrid mention it once. He stumbled in there when he was searching a leash strong enough for one of his creatures. Said he walked out and never went back, place gave him the chills so much."

Just then the brothers saw Greyback open the door and nod Forrestor in. Fabian checked his watch and found it a bit early for anyone to be gathering there. Perhaps the door was always open to the Death Eaters though, thus confirming Dumbledore's suspicions and reasons for sending the Prewitt brothers to Knockturn Alley tonight. This was their meeting place.

"Incoming-" Gideon whispered and grabbed the collar of Fabian's tan jacket to pull him out of sight.

Regulus black walked up the alley with his house elf in tow. The Prewitts couldn't help but think the boy looked like he didn't want to be there. They watched as Regulus reached Greyback, extended his arm and revealed his dark mark to gain admittance to the shop.

"Shit," Fabian whispered to himself. "I guess it's official now. He's one of them. One of us is going to have to tell Sirius."

They both whispered, "Not it." at the same moment then silenced as more Death Eaters arrived for the meeting. Both took careful mental notes as the list of their former classmates, ministry workers, members of the Pureblood community appeared. Snape approached with Avery and lingered outside a bit as others entered.

"Well well well. Look who finally is making an appearance," Fabian nodded up the street.

"Padrig Mulciber," Gideon muttered as he watched the former Slytherin strut up the alley. "Who has he got with him?" He nodded to the cloaked figure walking beside him, a hood over their head. "Kinda small, looks like a woman. Girlfriend maybe?"

"Mulciber doesn't have girlfriends. He has victims," Fabian growled under his breath, remembering his year as Head Boy when he caught a female student being assaulted by the cruel Slytherin boy. The memory plagued him regularly and even now he could hear the cries of the young girl in his mind. Just then the hooded figure looked up at the rooftops in their direction but the boys ducked behind the ledge of the roof before seeing their face. "Damn. Could she hear us?"

"I don't see how. Maybe we should jet."

"No way," Fabian said. "We came to find answers for Dumbledore. We are going to deliver. Come on." He slid down the side of the roof a bit before shimmying down a copper drain pipe and pulling himself onto the window ledge of Max Forrestor's flat.

"Fabe!"

"Shhh. You keep an eye on the alley. I'll be quick." He used his wand to unlock and open the window before pulling himself into the flat.

Gideon did as he said, crawling back up and peeking over the edge. Everyone had entered Borgin and Burkes, including the mysterious hodded figure. Only Snape remained outside and waited for the final atendee of the meeting who now approached. "I knew it." Gideon whispered to himself.

Barty Crouch Junior strut up the street towards Snape. He stopped just outside the shop to converse with the potion protege. Gideon cursed under his breath, unable to hear the exchange. At least now they had proof that Barty was a traitor.

Back at the Safe House...

Remus was in the kitchen with the house elf, Kip, piling on as many beans, toast and ham as he could onto his plate.

Masters Lupins looks well rested today," Kip said beaming.

"Am I? I guess it's just your amazing cooking, master Kip." Remus poured a coffee for Tabitha and sat at the round breakfast table and began to eat as Sirius entered. "Morning, Padfoot."

"How's our Moony?" Sirius asked and spotted the coffee beside Remus. "Oh. Just the way I like it. Thanks mate."

"Oh... that's not for-"

"Where did you end up crashing last night? I woke up and you weren't in the other bed in the loft," he said and slurped the coffee.

"I... couldn't sleep. You know. With the moon tomorrow. I wandered for a bit."

"Sorry, mate. But our boy James has some news that will perk you right up."

"Oh?" Just then the Potters entered eagerly looking at their friends.

"Rem! Morning," Lily beamed. "Where is Pete?"

"Probably still asleep," Sirius said as he leaned against the cabinet and sipped the coffee.

"Well we have to tell Remus and Peter together, otherwise Pete will be the last to know."

"What else is knew?" Sirius shrugged. "Just go on, Evans. Tell him. Peter won't mind."

"How do you know that he won't?" Tabitha asked as she entered and went straight to the coffee.

"Because, Delaney," Sirius chirped, "I know everything," then he slurped more on his cup.

"Well... ok," Lily smiled and said, "Remus. We're pregnant."

"What?!" Remus blinked a bit as it sunk in. "I... wow... this is... wow... that was fast. I didn't know you were trying to..."

"Well we weren't but I guess it only takes one go."

"Only... one go?" Remus said more to himself as he thought of his night with Tabitha and began to worry.

"Gross." Sirius grunted.

"Sex isn't gross, Padfoot."

"Oh I know that. But James having sex with Evans is gross. She's got cooties." The door to the china cabinet flopped open and smacked Sirius in the back of the head. Sirius yelped and glanced at Lily who was giving him a cheeky grin, "And she's violent."

Their laughter died down as they heard a pop of someone apparate just outside. Everyone exchanged glances and grabbed their wands, quietly waiting as Kip approached the door. "Slowly, Kip." James said as he stepped in front of his wife, wand ready.

Kip peered through the keyhold carefully then cheerfully said, "Is Misses Longbottoms." He waiting for James to nod before opening the door and in stepped Alice.

"Alice?" Lily said cautiously. "Is that you?"

"Of course it is, Lils."

"Prove it," James said.

"...Potter's not a virgin anymore," she said with a smirk.

"I wasn't a virgin before!" James insisted in agony.

"Come on in, Alice," Lily laughed then turned to the others, "And before you lot accuse me of telling Alice I was pregnant before anyone else, that's not the case. She's the one who told me I was pregnant."

"I'd recognize morning sickness anywhere," Alice said. "Glad everyone knows now."

"Where's Frank?"

"Facing an inquiry at work. They know it was his wand that opened the Department of Mysteries last week. I went to Dumbledore and he's working out an alibi. The Ministry isn't happy about the mess though. Approximately 300 prophecies destroyed... and one missing."

"One missing? How do they know one is missing and not just shattered?"

"Because it was from another shelf. That's why I'm here. Frank and I don't have it. The Prewitts don't either. The McKinnons know nothing about it..."

"Don't look at me. Those glowly balls gave me the creeps," James said then looked to the others, "Remus?"

"I don't have any balls," he shrugged. Sirius just snickered and Remus shoved him with more strength than intended, "grow up."

"Well, if we don't have it then that means someone on You-know-who's side does. I'll just ask Peter."

"He's upstairs," Sirius said, "But I doubt he will know anything about it."

Meanwhile at Knockturn Alley...

"So, Severus, where's my boyfriend?" Barty Crouch grunted to Snape as they entered Borgin and Burkes, hanging up their winter cloaks in the closet.

"Does Regulus know you call him that?"

"Wouldn't matter. He's such a little bitch, he doesn't have the nerve to clap back. Although, rumor mill says he's the one who killed the death eater Dennis Forrestor in order to defend Marlene McKinnon and Tabitha Delaney. Is it true?"

Snape grabbed Barty and hurled him into the coat closet, shutting the door behind them once inside. "Dennis Forrestor's brother is here you idiot. Don't let him hear you."

"Well I'm concerned," Barty hissed. "I won't spare my ego to admit I haven't many friends, Snape. I don't want Forrestor's whacky brother seeking revenge on Regulus. More than that, if his loyalties are questioned..."

"Black's loyalties are fine, Barty. You're the one everyone wonders about. Half our members ended up as Undesireables in the Prophet last week while Andromeda Tonks was vindicated. How'd that happen?"

"Night watchmen fell asleep in the press room. I'm sure Potter's friends snuck in and changed things. I'll try to fix it."

"No... that would peg you as one of us in an instant and we need you undercover at the Ministry."

"About that. The cleanup of the Hall of Prophecy today revealed one prophecy missing following your little battle with Potter's friends. It was "The Guardian" Prophecy."

"The one Voldemort has been searching for?"

"If Potter's little gang left with it, they still have it. Another thing, my cousin, Alice. She was there?"

"Yes. Why does that matter?"

"She's a Crouch and Crouches aren't idiots. If she finds out who in their group has that Prophecy she will... ick... do the right thing and turn it over to my father to save her husband's job."

"Or turn it over to Dumbledore to use against Voldemort, her husband leads a faction of The Order of the Pheonix."

"Is that what they are calling it?" Barty snorted, "Either way, we need to keep an eye on her. We need a spy on their side. Mulciber's bitch."

"Why would she help us?"

"Just leave her to me. With her help, we will locate the Guardian before the Order even realizes He's one of them."

Back at the Safe House...

"The Guardian must be the most trusted of the untrustworthy. Alone in this world, cast out at first breath, always seeking a master, preying on the pity of those he shall betray. Only he will Renew the son, Revive thy Master, and Resurrect the foe. All three will become one and from the shadows, a new life will begin."

Peter held the small crystal ball in his hands and listened to its words, captivated by its glow. He didn't know what it could mean but he had the strangest feeling it was speaking about him, but to betray? He thought through all the anger and frustration. All the resentment he had for his friends lately as they ignored him. But no... he could never betray anyone. Maybe the prophecy spoke of someone else. Maybe the new life that would come from the shadows would be his own!

Peter held the crystal carefully in one hand as he fetched his wallet with the other and pulled a card out of it's sleeve. He looked at the gold writing on it, reading the name of the man who used to handle his step father's estate. He'd said if Peter ever needed someone on his side that he would help... but did he? Did Peter need someone on his side? Or would his friends be there for him.

"I knew it!" He heard Alice Longbottom behind him. Peter fumbled about nearly dropping the crystal. He tried hiding it in his sleeve as Alice finished ascending the loft steps. "You took something from the Hall of Prophecy!"

"Alice! What are you doing here?"

"Well it isn't for Kip's coffee. I came because I had a feeling you'd walked off with a souvenir from our last battle."

"Please. It's nothing."

"Then why are you hiding it. Even more, why is it speaking to you?"

"You can hear it?" Peter blinked in surprise. He'd listened to the cyrstal speak so many times in the last week but Alice was the first to also hear it. He set the crystal on the bed and waved her over. "Have you told anyone I took it?"

"No. Everyone is too wrapped up in Lily's news right now and I wanted to be sure before I said anything."

"It just... called to me when we were at the Hall of Prophecy."

Alice sat on the bed. "Peter. Only those who a prophecy pertains to can remove it from the Hall of Prophecy. This is about you."

"Well... maybe. I mean it could be about me, or it could just involve me. Right? Why don't you listen and tell me what you think." He looked down at the crystal and said. "Um.. Mrs. Ball? Or Voice in the ball lady? Could you repeat yourself?"

After a moment the prophecy came again and Peter carefully watched Alice's face. She glance between him and the crystal then finally said, "Is it supposed to say words?"

"W-what? It is!"

"No. I just hear whispers."

"Maybe you need to hold it. Here." He carefully handed it to her and she lifted it to her ear.

"Strange. It sounds so far away that I can't make out the words."

Meanwhile, Peter could still hear the words as clear as they were being spoken beside him. How come she couldn't?

"Can anyone else hear it?"

"I think Lily heard it once. Just a whisper, like you, when she walked in on me. But nobody else. I mean, I haven't really told anyone about it."

"Peter. You have to take this to Dumbledore."

"No!"

"He will understand."

"That's what I'm afraid of!" Peter squealed. "Alice please. Let me try and figure this out on my own. Please. I can hear the voice and it said some things that scare me. I just need to understand it before I take it to everyone else."

Alice stared at him a long while, "Next next meeting of the Order is in tonight. I can only give you until then, or I'm telling."

"Tonight..." He sighed then picked up the globe and held it. "Thank you. What was Lily's news you mentioned?"

"That's she' pregnante of course..." Alice mumbled and when Peter looked up, eyes in shock, she instantly regretted speaking up. "Peter... I'm sorry. They all were talking about it. I just thought you already knew."

"No... I didn't. Why should I? I'm always the last to know," he said and held the Prophecy tighter, and the words it held that only he knew, "about some things..."

As the sun continued to rise, so did the burden of the impending week. It would be the first Order meeting since the battle at the Department of Mysteries. The next full moon was only a day away and the last one had been almost too hard for the Marauders to keep up with as Moony grew stronger. The reality of war sank in more and more with every day, despite the Order Members just being children. And yet, all of them managed to find hope. Lily and James now had their child to fight for. Tabitha's nightmares of reliving Fenrir Greyback's torture had faded in the arms of Remus who felt he finally had a glimpse of a real life. Sirius had a mission to become the son, and Godfather, Euphemia Potter knew he could be, the McKinnon's would rebuild their family, as the Longbottom's started theirs.

While all these dreams seemed so achievable in those early hours of 1980, only one Order Member's would become a reality - Peter Pettigrew. For his dream, true to the hopes of his late step-father, would be to make a name for himself. And everyone would know the name... Pettigrew.

Please review! This book will have a different rating than the previous as we are about to get into some darker, gritty moments...