Book II: Age of the Pheonix

Chapter XI: Bad Company

Music Theme: Bad Company - Bad Company

Slytherin Common Room - 1969...

A young Narcissa Malfoy stormed into Slytherin common room where her sisters were sitting, one studying and the other practicing non-verbal hexes on one of the kitchen-elves that was trying to just gather some tea trays as fast as he could and escape. "Bella!" Narcissa snapped, her voice booming as well as it could for a 13-year-old.

"You're in trouble," her sister Andromeda said without looking up from her books.

"Oh I do hope so," Bellatrix said and left the elf to escape, setting her wand down on the arm of the chair and loooking over at their youngest sister. "What now, Cissy?"

"You hexed my date! He's in the infirmary."

"You can't go out with a McKinnon."

"Why not?! He's a pureblood. He's from a good family, a wealthy one. It's a fine match."

"He's a middle child, so his wealth is going to be split left and right between his brothers and sister. Besides they believe in... integration." She wrinkled her nose at the words.

"What's so wrong about it, Bella?" Andromeda said looking up from her book.

"I'm not doing this with you again, Dromeda."

"Bellatrix!" Narcissa snapped. "It's your last year here and Dromeda will be graduating end of next year. I'll be alone. You have to let me make some friends!"

"Sirius will be starting in just two years," Andromeda pointed out.

"Oh that will be grand. A fifth year hanging out with her first year cousin." Narcissa walked over and plopped herself down, crossing her arms and staring out the windows.

Andromeda finally set down her book and looked up from her homework. "Bellatrix, can't you butt out for a change and let her go on her date?"

"It's my job as oldest to make sure you two end up with good matches and that our family ends up on the right side of history."

"The right side of history?" She looked confused then shrugged, "Oh. This is about Great-Uncle Regulus isn't it?"

"He let Blood Traitors get into his head and almost ruined our family," Bellatrix hissed.

"Bella, it was so long ago. We barely even knew the man. All the context we have is father's cautionary tales which I'm sure are inflated. There's nothing wrong with Cissy going out on a date and having some innocent fun."

"And tell me, Andromeda," Bellatrix picks up her wand again and twirls it. "Are your secret little meetings in Greenhouse three just innocent fun? Didn't think I'd find out about the Mudblood you've been meeting there between classes?"

"You keep him out of this," Andromeda said sternly.

Just then the doors to common room opened and in walked third year student Lucious Malfoy. "Malfoy!" Bellatrix barked at him and he stopped only slightly startled. "Narcissa's plans have just opened up for the evening. Take her to get an ice lolly won't you?" Malfoy just blinked at her and Bellatrix gave her youngest sister a look. Narcissa just groaned and stomped over to Lucious, taking his hand and dragging him out before letting him even set down his books.

"You talk of proper matches," Andromeda said once they were alone. "But Rudolphus hardly seems the intellectual match to you."

"He's got his priorities straight with the way the world should be and let's me run the show. That's all that matters."

"You didn't have to hex a third year, still. What did you do to him."

"He will be eating slugs until morning," she cackled at the thought. "I did what I had to. McKinnon's and Black's will never mix."

Malfoy Manor - January 6, 1980...

Ballatrix lounged in her armchair, twirling her knife in her knuckles when her husband crept in behind her. "My darling," he said and brushed the hair from her neck then leaned down to kiss it.

"Is it done?" She asked but he ceased his kisses and rest his hands on her shoulders. She lifted her head slightly. "Rudy..." she taunted in a sing-song voice. "Is he dead?"

"Bellatrix..." he started but she stopped him.

"I asked you a question. Is Frank Longbottom dead?"

"...No."

Bellatrix grimmaced and threw the chair away as she stood, whirling around on her heel. "I want them dead! I wand those blood traitors dead!"

"He commands they live!" Rudolphus said, ignoring her blade to his neck. "I know the past your family has with the Longbottom's, I know the couple has begun to close in on some of our ranks, but I sought the advice of the Dark Lord."

"You went before the Dark Lord without me?"

"I thought your suggestion to remove Longbottom from the equation, a bit abraisive and hasty." He stroked her cheek. "Let's not forget that Narcissa was entrusted with Voldemort's artifact for a reason. If you wish to earn and equal amount of trust with him, then you should seek out his commands before insisting upon who lives and dies."

"Ah," she nodded and pat his hand. "Yes. I see. I see clearly." She grabbed his hand by his fingers and twisted his arm backward with so much force that it brought the man to his knees. " I see that you think you command me!"

"Bella!"

"You will not go to Lord Voldemort without me again!"

"I will do as I damn well please- Agh!"

She grabbed him by the neck and squeezed tightly until his eyes bulged. "Am I clear... lover?"

"Y-yes..."

She leaned forward so they were nose to nose. "Good boy." She quickly pecked his forehead before releasing him and strutting away. "So why does he need them alive?"

"He wants them," Rudolphus choked with a hoarse voice. "In our ranks. By force if necessary. The same with Potter. Prewitts. All of the Sacred 28."

"So we can't kill them?!" She screamed and tossed her blade across the room. He ducked and it stabbed through the doorway.

"Not yet," he said. "But if they continue to be defiant, he will set us free to do as we wish." Rudolphus shakily stood, steading himself and slicking back his hair. He approached his wife and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Don't worry, pet. We will have our just desserts."

"Maybe you're right," she turned and allowed him to keep his arms around her. "If we can't kill them, then perhaps we can force them into submission. I have a million methods of... persuasion, I'd love to try."

"That's my girl."

"Oh and one more thing." She grabbed his groin with such aggresive force that he could not breathe. "Call me pet again and I'll nuder you myself."

"Yes... dearest.."

She shoved him away and scoffed in disgust. The door opened and Lucious Malfoy stood there, a little shocked by the knife wedged in the wood of the door.

"Lucy," Bellatrix said as she yanked the blade out and tapped him on the nose with its dull end.

"Damage my home further, Bellatrix, and I'll start wracking up a bill for you." She gave him a smug look but pocketed her blade before shoving by him to descend the stairs. Lucious looked back at Rudolphus who was composing himself. "Well? How did she take it?"

"Not well, of course. Didn't take kindly to me going before Voldemort without her."

"Then why did you? Trying to usurp her as favorite?"

"Speak for yourself, Malfoy," Rudolphus hissed. "No. I have my own reasons for excluding her. Besides that, can I count on you to do what it takes to get those Purebloods to conform?"

"If it involves the McKinnons then yes. What I wouldn't give to see once specific spawn of theirs on his knees," Lucious hissed. "But that's why I came to speak with you. Narcissa isn't to know."

"Why? Don't tell me she has a soft spot for blood traitors."

"Just one. She's been particularly sensitive lately with the pregnancy too. Just give me your word that you'll keep her in the dark?"

"Fine. As long as it suits me. But it's Bellatrix you'll likely have to worry about."

"Must you tell her everything?"

"Just speak your peace, Lucious," he grunted impatiently.

Malfoy moved into the room, closing the in door behind him, and lowered his voice. "Marvin McKinnon was seen entering Hogsmede the other night."

"So?"Lestrange grumbled. "That little pest never posed a threat to me."

"Maybe not. I just thought you should know that your sister-in-law was with him."

Rudolphus looked intrigued, "Andromeda?"

"Yes. Thought it was strange for the two of them to be together. I know Andromeda has been staying away while her name was on the Undesirable list but now suddenly she appears mere meters away from the gates of Hogwarts only a week after her name is cleared? And with a McKinnon? We know his brother and sister were involved at that fight at the Ministry."

"Yes. I know more than most," He grumbles at his memory of defeat. "You think they're wanting to join the ranks?"

"I know how we can find out," He reached into his pocket and pulled out an old envelope. He passed it to his brother-in-law and waited while he turned the paper over in his hands. "Narcissa used to write to Andromeda before accepting that her blood-tretchery couldn't be extinguished. She burned most of their letters but I saved that just in case I ever needed the address."

"I see," Rudolhpus smirked at the paper. "So you suggest we pay a visit to Thirteen, Tinkery Road, Castle Comb, Chippenham and make sure they're home?"

"I want to know what Marvin McKinnon is doing with them. He's been gone all this time, and you remember how Andromeda took him under her wing. If the two of them have another organization being founded just west of London then I want to know about it. I want him out of the way."

"Why Lucious... I never heard you talk like this. I'm impressed." Rudolophus tapped the envelope to his chin. "If they are cooking something up, then do me this favor. Let Bellatrix be the one to tell Voldemort about it."

Malfoy let a single laugh blast out. "That woman kicks you around like a ragdoll and you still want her to have the glory? Maybe if you bring her sister to justice, it will allow her to see who wears the pants in this-" Suddenly Malfoy stopped as he was hurled against the back wall with a flick of Rudophus' wand. The older man kept his wand aimed to keep Lucious glued against the wall.

"Do not claim to know anything about my wife and I. Do you understand, Lucy?"

"Y-yes..."

"Good." Rudolhpus lowered his wand and Malfoy collapsed. "Pitiful... just like you were in school. Still, I'll accept your proposal. You can accompany myself and my brother to Castle Comb village and find their house. If Andromeda or that Mudblood have any plans in Dumbledore's games them we will handle it."

"Fine... just leave Marvin McKinnon to me."

Both men nodded to one another when they both heard the gong of the massive doorbell. Rudolphus could tell by Malfoy's expression, that nobody was expected.

Meanwhile outside the Lupin home...

"This is going to be a lecture isn't it?'" Remus called when he heard footsteps approaching him.

"I knew I'd find you here," his father said, pushing through the evergreen trees to Remus' favorite hiding spot on their property. "Your secret garden."

"Dad, I don't want to talk."

"You talked to your Mum."

"Well... that's different."

"Remus," his father sighed and sat beside him on the fallen tree. He gazed out at the wooded area of their property and thought for a moment before saying, "Do you remember the story of how I met your mother?"

"Of course. You were hunting the Boggart that scared her and saved her."

"Yes. But what you don't know is that after a couple weeks of dating her, I stopped talking to her. In fact, I didn't even break up with her. I just vanished. I felt like our whole relationship was a fraud. I'd rescued her from something that wasn't really a threat and was allowing her to believe I was some hero. I was afraid if she found out the truth that it would hurt her. I thought by leaving, that she could find a better man than I."

Remus just listened silently drawing in the dirt with the tip of his wand.

"I was selfish, Remus. I thought I was being noble, but the most selfish thing I could have done was allow someone I cared for to worry about me and wonder if she had done something wrong."

"So you think I should risk everyone's life to spare their feelings?"

"I'm saying that running away is never the answer." Remus just looked back to the ground and continued making circles in the dirt. His father watched the sorrow on his face and thought of more to say. "So... what's her name?"

"Tabitha Delaney. We grew close around fifth year."

"Oh that's right. Charlie's daughter. I met him once. Poor fellow. He knew something about feeling responsible for your child's pain."

"Dad," Remus looked up at him. "You aren't responsible."

"Neither are you." He said. "So why do we act as though it's our responsibility to make up for the sins of Fenrir Greyback?"

Remus looked back to the drawing in the dirt and realized he'd been drawing a circle resembling the moon this whole time. "I guess to ensure he doesn't hurt anyone the way he's hurt us."

"Now there's a good point," he smiled.

Remus looked back to his father and softly said, "I need to go back, don't I?"

"Yes. You can't hide here forever, son. Dumbledore was right those years ago. He usually is."

"Maybe he will know what's wrong with me. He may know why the wolf is getting stronger."

"Alestor would also be a good resource."

"Madeye? He's not a werewolf is he?"

Lyall looked at his son contempalating if he should say more. "Quite the opposite. Before he was an Auror," he stopped himself and rest a hand on his son's shoulder. "You must understand he was a different man back then. Just as I had no context for werewolves before you were turned, Alestor had a similar naivety about many things when he was young."

"Just tell me, Dad. Madeye is a member of the Order of the Pheonix. I trust him."

"Alestor used to be a monster hunter."

Remus processed his meaning. "He hunted werewolves."

"In a way, yes."

"Just like Atticus McKinnon..."

"How in Godric's name do you know about that?" Lyall pulled away from him, shocked.

"Greyback bragged about it to two of the McKinnon kids - Marlene and Angus. Ang said he'd known about it since it happened but never talked about it."

Lyall sat back, stunned, staring into the woods and shaking his head. "That poor boy. That secret should have died with Atticus."

"Why did he do it, Dad?" Remus said angrily. "If they were just innocent people that Greyback had turned like me, then why would he do such a thing? Is it because of what's happening to me? I'm I becoming so strong every moon that the only way anyone will be safe is if I die?"

"You're not going to die," Lyall said in an attempt to calm his boy.

"Is Madeye going to kill me if he finds out about me?"

"Madeye does know about you, Remus. He's known since you were a child. I don't know what happened between him and Atticus McKinnon that night but he gave up monster hunting a long time ago. And even if he didn't, it wouldn't matter because you are not a monster!"

"Then what the hell am I?!" Remus pleaded and stood up, his voice raised so loud that his mother most likely could hear him at the house.

"You're my son!" Lyall stood as well and grabbed Remus by the shoulder. "You're a Gryffindor! You are loyal, brave, true, kind-hearted. You are our world, Remus. If Hope and I died tomorrow we would be content knowing we are leaving behind a son who cares about people, who protects his friends and his family."

"Too bad that version of me fades away with every moon..." he said sadly and he saw the heartbreak on his father's face. Remus suddenly remembered why he left home. He'd grown so tired of seeing that expression. His soul broke every time he saw the burden that he was to his parents. He shouldn't have come to them. His very presence could be putting them in danger.

"Dad..." Remus thought of so many words he wished he could say to his father, but none came. They just spent a moment across from one another waiting to see who would be the first to say, 'I love you' when Remus heard a familiar squawk in the distance. "That sounded like Fawkes."

"Lyall!" Hope's voice came. Remus parted the evergreen branches and both men watched the tiny woman running with all her might, waiving parchment in the air. "It's from Professor Dumbledore," she panted. "It's about James."

"What happened?" Remus anxiously asked as millions of possibilities swirled in his mind. Had he succumbed to his injuries? Were signs of him being a werewolf appearing? Had Greyback found out about him and come to claim him?

"He's been arrested at the Ministry of Magic. Dumbledore writes that they are suspecting him of being a werewolf because of his injuries."

"No... no, they don't know that I caused them! I have to go get him! I have to tell them it was me!"

"Remus, they'll arrest you," his father said grabbing his arm. "I'll go sort this out."

"No, Dad. There is a reason Dumbledore made you come home for safety. You could be in danger. You stay here with mum. I caused this. I have to go fix it."

"Remus," his mother took his hand and gave him a worried look.

"Mum. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I left you. I'm sorry I came back this way." He leaned down and kissed the cheek of the tiny woman. "I promise I won't let anyone hurt either of you again, myself included. I promise."

"Be careful son."

Back at the Ministry...

James had released himself from the desk and was practicing his patronus cast in Madeye's office when the door opened and in walked Alice Longbottom. James jumped and aimed at the door only for her to smirk at him and say, "You know if I wasn't your friend, Madeye would be so fired right now."

"Even if we weren't friends, Longbottom, you've never been a snitch."

"True," she said locking the door behind her. "So you ok?"

"I'd be better if I knew Lily made it back safely."

"I watched her and Peter leave through the front door. Didn't seem to have anyone following them." She pulled out the chair across from James and sat. "What the hell happened?"

"Your cousin's friends showed up. Mulciber. Avery. Snape. They were about to take Lily and would have if I didn't show up."

"Mulciber?" She shivered, "That bastard is the devil. And you didn't find out anything? No proof on Barty?"

"That's just it," James pondered, "Madeye said something that got me thinking. I don't think Barty was the main target after all. I think Dumbledore wanted someone else investigated."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure. Mary was awfully quiet." He watched her countenance shift. "You know something."

"I might. But as you said I'm no snitch."

"You think Mary is hiding something?"

"I don't want to think it. She's one of my oldest friends."

"Maybe you should go see Lily. Go to the safe house, make sure she and Pete made it back, find out what she witnessed." He shifted uneasily in his seat and rubbed his leg.

"Potter, let me call a medic for you."

"No. I don't want anyone looking at it."

"Why? What happened?" Her face paled slightly when she realized, "The moon was the other day..." When James didn't reply she said, "Is that why Remus is missing? He attacked you?"

"Remus didn't. The wolf did. I'll be fine though." He watched her expression fall into lost thought and said, "Alice. Please try to forget what you discovered about Remus on Christmas Eve. I don't want anyone looking at Remus differently."

"Potter. If anything, I hold Lupin in higher regard. Someone with that burden could shut the world out, but he choses to be kind and open to everyone."

"You say that now. But after what happened, I'm worried he's shut us out for good."

Both of them looked at the door as the knob began to turn. "Shit," Alice jumped up and snatched his wand from his hand, hiding it in his coat pocket. "Easy," he winced as she brushed his wounded chest. "It's probably just Madeye."

"Not taking chances," she forced his wrist back on the desk and cuffed it there before running to hide in the coat closet. James grew unsettled when he saw a flash of a spell through the lock and realized whoever was entering didn't have a key. He sat up a bit more as the door opened and scowled at its entrant.

"Snape."

The lanky boy shut the door quickly behind him and flicked his wand to seal it.

"Shame," James went on, "I thought someone more interesting was coming in."

"You always have to show up right when you aren't wanted, don't you Potter?"

"How does it feel to know my wife would only hang out with you by force?"

"Now let's not get to childish squabbles. You know why I'm here."

"Let me guess. Your Dark Lord wants me dead?"

"Nothing would give me more satisfaction. You Purebloods have nine-lives with the Dark Lord, it seems. But one day, the opportunity to join our side will run out and then you'll be just another name on a hit list."

James stared at him blankly then shook his head and said, "Sorry, can you repeat that? I phased out because your voice put me to sleep."

Snape impatiently lunged forward and grabbed James by the face, squeezing his jaw. James reluctantly let out a startled gasp, mostly from the pain as Snape aimed at him. "One of these days that mouth is going to get you killed. Which brings me to the reason for my visit."

Alice, in the closet was drawing her wand, ready to emerge and engage as she heard Snape's tone.

"You did something to me a long time ago. And now, I'm going to repay the favor." He let go of James and stepped back, aiming his wand. James quickly reached for his but Snape shouted, "Incarserous," and enchanted roped coiled around James chest and arms, securing him to his seat and he shouted in pain as they dug into the wounds on his chest. Snape aimed as Alice grabbed the door handle to reveal herself but stopped when all she heard him say was, "Oculus evanesco."

James glasses vanished from his face and he squinted to try and make out the blurry visual of Snape who stepped forward, pressing his wand into his enemy's neck. "That's it? What are you playing at?" James said through pain filled breaths.

"When you saved my life in school, it was the cruelest prank you pulled on me, burdening me with an indebtedness to you I couldn't repay. I thought keeping your pathetic friend's secret was enough. I thought perhaps the years or torment made up for it, but no. Every full moon I think of that night and how you decided, after years of being a prick, to be a hero. Well I'm not your bloody damsel, Potter. I don't need you to save me. I could kill you right now and walk away, nobody ever knowing who took your life. I could even pin it on that crazy-eyed auror. But no. I will not let you have the satisfaction one day more of me being indebted to you. Twice now I've had the chance to kill you, but this time it's my choice to leave you your life. Next time we meet, we are even. And I will not hold back." He removed his wand and approached the exit.

"Snivillus?" James called. Snape's shoulders tensed at the nickname and he whipped his head back to look at James who said, "You haven't been the only one holding back, but I did it for Lily's sake. After today maybe she can see you're beyond redemption and finally let me put you in your place. So know this. The next time you set a hand on my wife, it will be the last movement you make."

"Sounds like a challenge," Snape quipped then ripped the door open and slammed it behind him.

Alice emerged and rushed to James, freeing him and allowing him to take a few breaths before saying, "I thought I'd have to nick him! I can't believe he didn't even try to capture you. Or worse!"

"I can," he replied. "He's right. I could always tell he was holding back due to his old friendship with Lily and the fact that I saved his life once."

She held her wand to his eyes and said, "revelio" and his glasses reappeared. "If he's been holding back, then let's hope our paths don't cross again soon."

"I doubt we'll be that lucky."

McKinnon Castle...

Angus, Fabian and Gideon apparated on the edge of property and quickly passed the veil that revealed the castle ruins behind it. Gideon was giving Fabian a scolding for running off and his younger brother just walked with a blank stare that Marvin, who sat on the front steps with a glass of whiskey, clocked right away.

"Oi, Marv. You have more of that to share?" Fabian said as they neared him.

Marvin removed a flask from his pocket and set it beside him before motioning to the empty step. "Pull up some rubble and have a wee dram."

"It's bloody cold out here," Angus said as Fabian took a seat and a swig.

"Hell of a lot colder inside, brother," he grumbled.

"The-feck is that supposed to mean?"

Marvin just raised his glass before downing the rest of his drink and saying, "slánte."

Giden and Angus entered and immediately were overcome by the heat as the fire raged in the fireplace. Both stripped their winter coats and scarves at set them on the table before noticing Marlene in the arm chair, watching the flames. "Marley lass. Everything ok? Any word on Remus?" She didn't answer.

Angus approached and chattered on, "Fabian came across a seer. You should have heard the twisted tales he heard. Gid and I were able to track down old, Ogden. We even have his memory all bottled up and ready to take to Dumbledore." He stopped talking when he heard Marlene toss something onto the side table. Walking over, he peered at the cover and read the title " 'A History of Muggle Marvels.' Haven't read that one in a while, have ye?"

"Is that why you picked it?" She finally spoke up.

"Picked it?"

"To be your disguise for Max Forrestor's real journal?"

"Marley-"

"No, I get to talk now," she snapped and stood up. "I get to tell you what is goin on. I get the truth right here, right now. You stole his book from the Prewitts. You gave Dumbledore a false copy. You lied to me about it. You hid what was inside of it. You put a war in jeopardy. Am I forgetting anything?"

Angus took a breath, "No... that's about the size of it."

"And that's not even the worst bit. Sirius, of all people, Sirius Black had to be here when we found it. I defend you in front of him, even then I defended you, and we find that damn book on your shelf?"

Gideon tried to move away and said, "Maybe I should go."

"Stay there, Prewitt. I want the truth from you too. Both of you are always whispering to each other. Did you know about this?"

"Aye," Gideon said softly. "I did."

"Why? Why would you tell him and not me?" She turned back to Angus.

"He found me with it," Angus replied.

"And why would you swear to keep this a secret, Gid?" Marleen shouts back to him. "Don't you know there's a bloody War going on?"

"Because-" He looked between her and Angus, torn between the truth and his sworn secrececy. Luckily for him, Marvin entered and relieved the burden.

"Because of what it said."

Everyone looked at Fabian and Marvin in the doorway, Fabian looking quite confused. "What do you know about what it said?" Angus asked.

"You said there was information about our family in there, didn't you?"

"Aye, but I didn't read much of it... just a few pages. Did you read it?"

"I don't have to read it to remember how fucked up our family once was!" He snapped back to him. He downed another shot of whiskey before passing the flask to Fabian. "Everyone sit down. I think it's time we share the truth with Marlene."

"Marvin, you don't know the full size of things," Angus said.

"I know a hell of a lot more than you think," Marvin grunted. "The benefit of being the middle child is that we don't get much attention but manage to notice things. So here is my proposition. We sit down. Angus tells us what was hidden in that book of Max's. Or I can go ahead and share what I know about everything..." He looked at Gideon, "And everyone in this room."

Angus' suspicions that his brother had been on to Gideon and himself were confirmed and he quickly spoke up, "Ok! Ok... everyone sit down. I'll tell you. Just promise, when I'm done, that you'll forgive me."

Madeye Moody was finishing the paperwork to clear James when he was overheard rumblings of coworkers behind him. He turned and spotted them reading the Daily Prophet and muttering about Fenrir Greyback. Without even asking them, he ripped the paper away and took it for himself. Madeye scanned the articles and saw the latest headline, 'Fenrir Greyback spotted in Hogsmede Village. Local Wizard found hexed in Alley behind Hogshead Pub.'

"Everything ok, Boss?" Alice asked when she neared him.

"Is Potter still in time-out?" He grunted back.

"Barely. Almost got himself killed though. You need better wards on your office," she sighed. "You're out here reading?"

He reluctantly gave her the paper and she read it quickly, "He's closing in on us?"

"I don't think finding the Order matters as much to Greyback as that damn book the Prewitts found. It says the Wizard they found in the alley was hexed. That isn't Greybacks method. That boyfriend of his though-"

"Max Forrestor?"

"It's his journal, isn't it? They're after it. And now that we have that book, it's the key to stopping them. They're about to become far more reckless. I don't like the Order being all spread out the way we are, and don't get me started on you and Frank being exposed in that tiny flat of yours."

"What good will going into hiding do if I come and work with Death Eaters in disguise on a daily basis? At least Frank is safe at home." She caught a flicker of anxiety in Madeye's good eye and she said, "What was that?"

"What?"

"You know something."

"Don't be batty."

"Alestor. What's wrong?"

He sighed and angrily said, "Frank isn't home. I sent him to stay with Benjy for the day."

"Why?"

"Because he's been getting followed all week. He may have a target on his back." Alice began to look frantic and Madeye just pat her shoulder. "Don't fret, kid. He's safe now. But I think it's best that you and he stay with Benjy until we are sure things are safe."

"Will things ever be safe," she sighed and waived the paper, "I mean look at this article. This poor bloke was just leaving the pub after a day of work and was hexed so many times that he can't remember his own name." She looked back to Madeye who was glancing over her shoulder. When she turned to see who she was looking at she just smiled as she was Remus Lupin approaching them.

Remus was on edge, now knowing what he did about Madeye's past. Still he pressed forward, keeping his head down and whispered, "What's wrong? Never seen an exhausted werewolf before?"

"You shouldn't be here," Madeye whispered back frustrated. "It's not safe."

"For you or for me?" Remus grunted back.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Where is James? I got Dumbledore's letter. They suspect him of being a werewolf. Well I'm here to clear him."

"What?" Madeye looked confused. "No they-"

"I've got this, boss," Alice spoke up, instantly knowing what Dumbledore was up to. She knew if Remus just got a look at James and saw he was alive, then maybe he would go home with him. "James is in Alestor's office, Rem. I'll show you. But you've got to sneak him out of here. Think you can manage?"

"Of course I can. But what about the accusations about him being a werewolf?"

"I'll handle that," Madeye said. "Got the Paperwork to clear him right here. But you should get him back to his wife."

"I will." Remus said. Alice took his arm and tried to pull up him the hall but Remus hesitated and looked back at Madeye.

"Something else ya need?" Madeye asked.

Remus mind swirled with millions of questions, now knowing about Madeye's history as a wolf hunter, but all he could focus on right now was James. "No." He looked back to Alice. "Take me to my friend."

Back at Malfoy Manor...

Lucious and Rudolphus descended the steps of Malfoy Manor in time to see Narcissa approaching the door. Bellatrix didn't seem too threatened by the unexpected caller, but still stayed close to her younger sister. The house elf, Dobby, came running and pulled the door open in front of his mistress.

"Crabbe?" Narcissa was stunned when she saw the older man on her doorstep and he entered.

"Hello cousin," He smiled.

"Don't pull that ridiculous family shit,' Bellatrix snapped from behind. "Your aunt was our grandmother's sister. That makes us a recipient of your pathetic Christmas card, not family."

"What do you want Victor?" Narcissa said calmly.

"To win back the favor of the Dark Lord," Crabbe said nervously.

"Listen to me old man," Rudolphus grunted as he moved down the steps. "I never thought you had what it took. I gave you a chance to prove yourself for your late wife's sake as we were old friends and she truly believed in our cause-"

"Yes!" Crabbed pressed passed Narcissa and shoved Dobby aside. "She showed me the light and all I wanted to do ever since was-"

"I'm not done speaking!" Rudolphus said and Crabbe shrunk a bit at his words. "You were an asset for a while but you failed us as McKinnon Castle. That old relic was a symbol of defiance for many blood traitors. You left it standing and Greyback had to babysit you to ensure the deed was done. If it weren't for him-"

"I know. I know!" He clasped his hands together, "I ask for another chance."

"Go back to your estate sales, Vic," Bellatrix quipped.

"You should do as she says," Rudolphus warned, "I spared your life once. Do not make me regret that choice. This is your last chance to leave our property."

"My property," Lucious corrected. He walked over to the man and asked, "Why now, Crabbe? You've been dismissed from Voldemort's service for almost two years. Why return and risk incurring his wrath? You must have good reason."

"I do, Lucious," he walked closer to him. "I know what happened to the Guardian prophecy and I think I know who the Guardian is."

Later at the Safe-house...

Sirius ran down the steps of the safe-house with Tabitha nearly crashing into him as she raced up the hall. Both reached the door at the same time and yanked it open. They'd heard someone apparate onto the property and behaved like two children Christmas morning to see who had arrived. Both of them looked dissappointed when the door opened and Lily laughed, walking up the steps to the small house. "Don't look so dissapointed."

"Sorry, Lils," Tabitha said. "We thought you were Remus."

"or James," Sirius added.

"No, Dumbledore finally convinced me to come here. He assured me this si where James and Remus will be soon enough."

"Well that's at least something," Tabitha mumbled.

"Where is Pete?"

"Having some dinner. Kip made some soup."

"Well I won't say 'no' to that," She said and noticed the look on Tabitha's face. "They'll be home soon, Tabs."

"Right." She smiled and nodded as Lily walked away then whispered. "Saint of a woman. It's her bloody husband but she still makes sure we are ok."

"Speak for yourself," Sirius said. "I'm fine." He stormed off and Tabitha said, "Sure you are..."

As Lily passed the kitchen she saw Peter staring at his soup. "Lose your appetite, Pete?"

"This is all my fault. I was too distracted by the prophecy," he whispered. "James is hurt and Moony's gone because of me."

"Peter," Lily approached the table and lowered her voice. "What happened to James is nobody's fault but Fenrir Greyback. Let's make that clear. Everyone has had to pay for his crime since - Remus, his friends, his family." She paused and thought. "His family..."

"I know what you're thinking," Peter replied when he saw her expression. He shook his head, "He won't go to them. He left home to remove the burden of the wolf. He won't go back now. Would he?"

"Sometimes," Lily said softly as she sat, "When we are at our breaking point, we turn to the people we swore we would never seek help from again. Isn't that why you went to your father's friend?"

"I... I wasn't at a breaking point."

"Peter. I've watched you these last months. You've been growing angry."

"We all have."

"Frustration and anger have a very thin line. Why didn't you tell us of the Prophecy." He didn't answer her and she added. "And what else about it, aren't you telling us?"

Peter continued to stare at his plate, "When I moved into our dormitory at school and met James and Sirius and Remus, I thought surely they'd want nothing to do with me. But for some reason, they included me. I've never known why. I never could find a common thread. We have different interests with different backgrounds. Then when the bullying started, I realized by some miracle I was on the right side of James' pranks. I was part of his pack. Then when school ended... Remus moved away. James got his own flat. Sirius moved to Crouch Hill and I..."

"Where did you go, Pete?" She rest a hand on his and it was as if every angsty emotion he had bottle up was released. He teared up at her touch, feeling incredibly safe.

"I was so alone without the lads. I went back to that horrible flat where my Uncle and I had lived. I used my inheritance I received when I was 18 to take every cent that was my own and dismiss him. I sold his flat out from under him. I watched from across the street as the movers took all my step-father's belongings out of the flat and left him with nothing. I thought I would feel so bloody good to watch as a man who leeched off my family's fortune for years shriveled into nothing."

"But you didn't, did you?"

Peter pulled his hand out of hers and looked her square in the eye, "That's just it. I did. I liked hearing him drunkly cry for the movers to stop. I enjoyed seeing him fall to his knees on the sidewalk and clasps his hands together to beg the way he made me beg for every bit of attention my whole youth. The man never even knew what hit him and I was proud that I'd been the one to strike the blow. I've no idea where he is now, but at night when I imagine it... I smile at the through of him squatting in some hell hole with no more than a name to call himself by."

"Pete-"

"I don't want to be like him. I don't want to be on my knees begging anymore. I want to be the one who calls the shots. Like James. Like Sirius. Maybe if I can become a man like that, like the one the prophecy described, I can be better on the next moon. I can be the one to save James, not Sirius. I can save all of you from the traitor."

"Peter, you can't do everything alone. You must get this mindset out of your head." She looked over her shoulder then lowered her voice, "Maybe I'm the first to realize it, but did it ever occur to you that if what you say about the prophecy is true then you could be in danger. Voldemort's forces-"

"IF what I say is true?" He stood up offended.

"I'm just saying prophecies are finicky."

"You think I'm lying."

"No, Peter. I trust you-"

"Well, I'll prove it to you! I'll find that traitor and I'll kill them. I'll have the last word on this, Lily. I will. I'll have the last word." He shoved in his chair with so much frustration that it rattled the table and he left her there.

Long chapter as an apology for being gone so long! Next chapter gets a bit heavy as Angus finally confesses the details of his father's demise...