Book II: Age of the Phoenix
Chapter XIV: The Seer
February 1 - 1980...
Sirius tip-toed into the kitchen and winced at every clank of the coffee pot as he attemped to brew a silent but strong cup for himself without waking Remus. The small cottage already was pretty snug and Sirius contemplated if it was worth it to risk moving back to his flat on Crouch Hill just for some personal space. He felt a tug on his slacks and smiled softly without even looking and said, "Morning Kip."
"Masters Black is up early," the house elf said with his nightcap on his head. "Kips will get his coat and begin breakfast."
"Don't fret, Kip. I'm just on my way out."
"But perhaps the mistress wants a cup of tea or some toast?"
"Mistress?"
Kip nodded to the window seat and Sirius whirled around and spotted Tabitha, curled up in a blanket with the morning Prophet in her lap. "Morning."
"How long have you bloody been there?"
"Since about 4am. Nightmares keep me up a lot lately."
"So you decide to climb out of bed and come stalk people who are trying to make their coffee?"
"I was here first, Black."
"The misstress Delaney likes to check on Masters Lupins most nights," Kip chimes in.
"Kip," Tabitha snapped and gave an embarrassed look to Sirius. "I guess... I just want to make sure he's still here and not run off again."
"No needs to feels embarrassed, mistress." Kip says. "Masters Lupins checks on you most nights too."
"H-he... he does?" She looked stunned.
Sirius, however, grumbled to Kip, "Can you go back to bed now?!"
Kip gave a quick bow and hurried out of the room.
"Don't be cross at him," Tabitha said. "It's not his fault Rem and I can't figure out how to communicate."
"Preaching to the choir," he whispered to himself.
"What?"
"I said I have to run an errand today," he recovered quickly as he poured his coffee. "To settle my father's estate."
"What?!" Tabitha's eyes widened. "You mean, he's..."
Sirius took quick strides across the room, grabbed the DaileyProphet from her lap and flipped around to reveal the obituary. Tabitha took a moment to locate Orion Black's name. "Oh."
"Yea. Dumbledore sent a note with Fawkes last night when he got news."
"And you didn't say anything?"
"I didn't want to stain Lily's birthday dinner with bad news. She already had her wedding ruined, so I figured we would just go handle it."
Tabitha felt that may have been a bit more pointed than he intended but she just said, "You're going alone?"
"Well, I should get used to being alone sooner or later, right? Maybe that's the real Black family legacy - dying alone."
Sirius finished his coffee in silence, Tabitha not saying anymore. He checked on Remus one final time as he put his coat on in the entryway and picked up one of the core-less wands and tucked it in his pocket. Gringotts was one of the more secure places to be these days. No Death Eater dare mess with the magical enchantments that protected it and no goblins dared to let the policitcs of war pass their threshold. Still, the memory of how easily he was captured by Rudolphus at the Ministry still plagued him.
"Here," he tossed his wand to Tabitha and she caught it. "Your family invented wand-tracing right? You know how to find me with that thing?"
"Aye. But do you trust me to come find you once someone's rid me of your annoying arse?" She joked with a smirk.
"Don't be daft. I expect you to snap it in half if I don't return," he winked at her and left her to her paper just as the sun began to rise.
The House of Black...
The Coroners had come to take Orion Black to Saint Mungos. Regulus had only been home a brief time before realizing why his father had sent for him. The man was sick and dying. He went quickly, only suffering a few days, before Regulus watched the master of the house draw his last breath. Now the house was quiet with only Regulus, dressed all in black, sitting in the dark. He contemplated where his father's body must be now. Most likely it was laying out on a cold slab in the morgue waiting for mortician to charm it with a preservation spell so that old-Orion Black could look his best from six feet under the earth. Only the Blacks would care what they looked like when they were lowered into the dirt. Regulus sat in his father's chair in the sitting room, some Scotch in his glass. He gazed at the family tree on the wall and his eyes rested upon Sirius' name.
"It would seem it's just you and I now brother," Regulus grunted at the family tree. "Only you and I have the name, Black." He lifted his glass towards the wall. "So here's to you and I. Wherever the hell you are. Here's to all those years you made me feel like nothing. Because that's what I am now. Nothing..."
"Master, Regulus?" The meek voice of the house elf came.
"Kreacher? What are you doing here?"
"Kreacher lives to serve the Noble house of Black. Kreacher comes to do the bidding of the new master of the house."
"You're supposed to be with Narcissa. You could be killed for serving two masters at once."
"Kreacher will serve the dark one if it pleases you. He will serve him if it saves you."
"Narcissa says it will. I'm not so sure anymore." He took a sip of his scotch and glanced at all the family names on the tree. "Do you remember Regulus the First. I've often wondered why I was named after him but father never said."
"The Little Price of the House of Black. He was a quiet one. It was his brother and sister you best avoided."
"And what became of him? He never married."
"Master Regulus loved deeply. He shared only to Kreacher the name of the one he loved. Kreacher failed him. At the request of the mistress, his sister, Kreacher shared a vile secret."
"Let me guess. In love with a muggle born."
"No... a Longbottom."
"He was in love with a Longbottom? But they're purebloods."
"There are some matches that seem unsuitable even in the pureblood homes. Kreacher dare not share this secret again... unless Master Regulus commands it."
"No. I won't force you to elaborate. But what happened to him?"
"Nobody knows where he went after leaving the house, but he refused to wed as he wouldn't betray the one he truly loved."
"So they named me after a blood traitor. A runaway? Responsible for ending the family line on his side of the tree?"
"Your father, Master Orion was a different man as a boy. Young Master Sirius took after his father more than he knew. Master Orion was rebellious and bold. He had his own temper-"
"That I know," Reguglus drunky grumbled.
"Even when it was decided that the Master would marry Mistress Walburga... he refused."
"What?!" Regulus nerely coughed out his drink.
"He wished to not wed such a cold-hearted woman. This is when the family started to see how Master Orion was not growing out of his childish rebellions. Still Master Orion wed the woman for the family's sake. His Father Arcturus, Master Regulus' Brother, was very superstitious which is why he worked in The Hall of Prophecy. He visited Seers often to ensure the Black household would never befall harm. Sometimes he even used the Seers readings to manipulate the wealth and Security of the family name."
"Sounds like something a Black would do," Regulus finished his drink, "What's he got to do with Great-Uncle Regulus?"
"It was a dark time when the commanders of this household were Arcturus and Lycoris. If only Master Regulus had stayed with his warm heart..." Kreacher just scowled and continued, "One of the Seers foretold to Master Arcturus that a son of the Black house would rebel and cause the end of the Household. The family name would cease to exist. The Master first assumed it was speaking of Master Orion due to his rebellious spirit. He knew Mistress Walburga was expecting a son and feared the rebellion would continue and destroy the Black name. He plotted to have his son..." Kreacher crossed his neck with his finger to imitate a slit throat and Regulus clasped his own neck gently.
"He would kill his own son?"
"Master Regulus heard of the plot from his sister's boasting. He warned your father and passed on the signant ring of the family, a true symbol of Black loyalty, to Master Orion. They named Master Sirius after his grandfather as another symbol of loyalty. Master Regulus got himself named the godparent of the Longbottom boy to prove his devotion to the blood-traitors and swore he'd give his fortune to their newborn son.
"You're not talking about Frank Longbottom are you?"
"Aye."
"Well that explains why Bellatrix hated him so much growing up. What happened to Old Regulus after that?"
"He spoke out against many decisions of the house and became reckless in the Black secrets he revealed. He died mysteriously, shortly after Master Sirius was born."
"You think his own brother killed him? Our grandfather? All because Regulus tried to take the blame as the prophesied one the seer foretold?"
Kreacher rolled his eyes, "You thinks the burning of names off the family tree started for no reason? Mistress Lola may have been the first dismissed by her brother years ago for marrying a muggle, but her name wasn't sponged off the wall until after master's Regulus' death along with any other name that was seen as traitor. The family caught a plague of fear that generations to come would follow the examples set by their reckless ancestors. Anyone deemed a traitor was cast out by the rest, for fear of their lives at risk. And Master Orion's ways-"
"Don't," Regulus snapped. He shot out of his chair. "Don't validate that man's abuse, Kreacher. If you're about to say that his anger towards us was to protect us..."
"Master Orion lived every day in fear since Young Sirius was born. He did not manage that fear well. He became a bad man, who did bad things for wrong reasons... but he used to be a young conflicted child just as you."
"I'm not a child!" Regulus tossed his glass against the family tree and it crashed against his name. He stood in silence and stared at the name Regulus Black I. Died 1959. "He knew he was going to die, didn't he? In protecting my father and unborn brother, he knew he was risking his life."
"Young Master Regulus would not be here if not for his namesake. Old Regulus knew that. He told Kreacher he would be the one to determine his fate, nobody else. He said he would not be dying in vain. He would not be dying for only Orion, but all the lives after."
"One man's Sacrifice... but the tyranny still prevails."
"Does it?" Kreacher asked sofly and Regulus looked at him coldly.
"Look at me!" He ripped up his sleeve to reveal his dark mark. "This is what he died for? To protect the life and legacy of an abusive father who would breed two punk children, one of which can't escape this mark."
"Tis just ink, Master. And ink is only skin deep..."
Regulus rolled his sleeve back down. "I shouldn't have asked you about him. Sounds like he died for nothing."
"Only if Young Master Regulus insists."
"If I insist!?" Regulus whirled around to face him again.
"Forgive Kreacher's, impertinence." He elf bowed his head. "Kreacher will clean the glass."
"No." Regulus stepped forward. "No I'll clean it up. You should go. Lord Voldemort will wonder where you are."
"If the Master Requests it."
"Like I have a choice," he sighed. "Go on." Kreacher gave a small bow and slowly backed out of the room but stopped when Regulus added, "I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"Kreacher lives to serve Master Regulus."
"Don't you mean, 'The Noble House of Black?" he mocked.
"Does Master Regulus see anyone else in this home?"
Regulus smirked gently at that and gazed down at his father's ring on his finger which the dying man had forced into his son's palm. "When you're done with Voldemort's needs. You come straight home. Swear it?"
"The moment my task is done, sir."
The Safe House...
"He just left?" James asked at breakfast when Tabitha showed the newspaper to the group.
"He probably wanted to be alone."
"Now is the worst possible time for anyone to be alone!" He tossed the paper back on the ground and rushed to his things on the entryway table. James ripped open the drawer and groaned when he saw both two-way-mirrors inside. "Unbelievable! He didn't take the mirror with him."
"He doesn't want to be contacted, James," Remus said softly.
"Well last time one of you didn't want to be contacted, you were gone for four days."
"Will I ever hear the end of that?" Remus sighed.
"James, calm down." Lily said. "He went to the bank that's all. He'll be back in time for your mission tonight."
"He better," James grumbled, "Or I'll kick his ass."
James plopped down beside Lily who quickly changed the subject. "What time is Dumbledore's interview with the Seer?"
"Around three," James said. "Prewitt told her to meet at the Hogshead."
"Then we'll setup a perimeter around it and make sure nobody stops her. If the Death Eaters were after the Prophecy then I'd suspect they'd have interest in a seer."
"How come?" Peter spoke up.
"Probably to see if she can tell them what it said before you broke it," James grumbled. "Damn," He clenched his fist. "Sorry, that was pointed."
"Potter, you're irritable because you've been on bedrest for weeks," Tabitha suggested. "We get that. You're nervous about Sirius and feel bad with everything involving his family, but you're getting too emotional."
"I'm fine."
"James," Lily said in a calm tone. "Can I talk to you out back?"
James looked around the room then nodded.
The awkward silence that followed between Remus, Peter and Tabitha was excruciating.
"Sleep ok?" Remus finally spoke up.
"No," she mumbled. "But I'm used to it."
"Maybe there's a potion you could try," Peter offered.
"Well, I was thinking that while we are in Hogsmede today, I can get what Remus needs this week."
"What the use," Remus sighed. "It didn't work last time."
"Well, Lily and I kept researching and it looks like the potion does work in most cases. The user just has to drink it every day the week leading up to the full moon. I bet if I brewed a whole bunch-" She stopped when Remus took her hand across the table.
"Tabitha... It's no use."
She couldn't tell in that moment if he was referring to the potion or to them, but she knew she didn't wish to know the answer.
Outside Lily was comforting James. "What's this attitude of yours about?"
"I have a bad feeling about The Order lately."
"What kind of bad feeling?"
"I don't like how things went down earlier this month at the Ministry. Mary just stood there letting you get attacked."
"I told you about that. It's because Mulciber was there."
"Then why doesn't she quit? If Mulciber hangs out with Crouch all the time then why didn't she quit the moment she realized he'd have full access to her office? And did you know she told Prewitt to stop spying on Knockturn Alley?"
"I thought I overheard her say that."
"Who does she think she is? She's not Dumbledore."
"James, all of these things could just be Mary being extra cautious. That doesn't mean she's the traitor that Peter warned us about."
"All I know is the rest of us are trying to stay together in a groups to stay safe, but Mary has refused to join any factions."
"Are you really suggesting that a Hufflepuff is a spy for Voldemort?"
"I'm saying that people who want to venture off on their own have a tendency to be reckless and unpredictable."
"Like Sirius?" She asks quickly and James just glares at her through his glasses. "Like Remus? Don't forget Tabitha vanished on us all last year too. Nobody knows where Atticus Óg McKinnon is. Are all these people guilty of something or are you just worried about your ability to keep everyone safe if they keep wondering off."
"I just," he shoved his hands in his pockets and gazed towards the cliffs. "I don't want to lose anyone."
"All that matters, James, is that you and I are together. Ok? As long as the two of us don't die on one another then we can work together to keep the group together. Deal?"
"Deal," He nodded.
Gringotts Banks...
Sirius twidled his thumbs as he sat on the waiting bench just outside the will-office at Gringotts bank. For whatever reason, he'd dressed apropriately for the occasion in his vest and good slacks. Looking at his refleciton in the marble floor made him thing of his first days at school, before he started listening to Led Zepplin, loosening his uniform tie and letting his hair grow out. Now he was conforming, almost by habit, back to his old self. For a moment he wondered if it's because he couldn't allow the new, true Sirius to be bothered with affairs of the Black Household.
"Black?"
Sirius looked up. "Longbottom? What are you doing here?"
"Well, Benjy said he got word about Orion Black dying and said I needed to come down here. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Black."
"Are you? Interesting," Sirius grunted. "So why do you need to be here? What business do you have with my father's estate?"
"Well... um," Just then, the door to the office opened and out stepped a goblin, "Shall we?"
Just as he asked, a goblin emerged from in his office and looked over the brim of his speck-tackles at the boys. "Which is Black?"
"Me," Sirius raised his hand. "This is Frank Longbottom."
The goblin let out a grunt and nodded them in. His office was incredibly disorganized with papers spilling out of the crooked shelves and the design of the desk and furniter looking as if it hadn't been updated in 100 years. Sirius and Frank took their seats as the goblin smacked a large file on his desk containing the details of the Black estate.
"Orion left his entire estate to his eldest son," He pointed a crooked finger at Sirius, "But there were some contingencies on some of the fortune. About thirty percent of the estate was funded by the inheritance from Regulus Black the First."
"Let me guess, that goes to his namesake now? My brother?" Sirius asked.
"No... to Mr. Longbottom. The Late Regulus Black's godson."
Sirius paled and stayed silent, but just looked at Frank who nodded, "I um... was going to tell you."
"It appears that when your great uncle died, Sirius, that his will stated all his fortune would transfer to Orion Black, but shortly before he died, he made a change to that will. All funds would then go to his recently born godson, Mr. Longbottom here. But that will wasn't discovered until recently when Mr. and Mrs. Black's things were removed from their house. It was found amongst your mother's items."
"I don't get it. My family always hated yours," Sirius said.
"All I know is in school, my grandfather and your great-uncle were close. Dad said that Grandad befriended Old Regulus when they were boys at Hogwarts. I think he said he was his tutor."
"Most people don't repay their tutors with a fortune."
"Dad said Old Regulus was around the house a lot growing up, so I assume him and Grandad grew into great friends. Not sure what would cause him to declare me his godson, but he did, just the same. Maybe he was just trying to make a point."
Sirius pondered a moment and looked at the goblin on the other side of the desk, "May we have a moment?"
The goblin grunted disapprovingly but still departed his office to allow the boys to speak.
"Frank... That's exactly why he did it. Don't you get that? Old Regulus was never talked about when I was growing up and I often wondered why. Now I'm wondering if he adopted you as his Godson as some form of rebellion."
"Don't know if I should be flattered or offended by that."
"You should be a bit worried about it. When Bellatrix finds out our family fortune has been passed to you, it will not go over well."
"You think I'm afraid of her?" Frank laughed.
"Your wife is pregnant. Did you ever consider what could happen to Alice if Bellatrix finds out you have an heir on the way that could claim a fortune which used to belong to our family?"
Frank's expression suggested that the thought didn't clear his mind. "So what do we do? I could turn the money back over to the bank but I doubt that's the part she's going to care about. The fact that I was claimed by old Regulus is what matters."
"Andromeda will know what to do," Sirius said. "She found a way to get my Uncle's money to me when I was 16 under the radar of my family. Come on."
Hogsmede - Later that Afternoon...
"I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing, Sirius," Dumbledore said just outside the gate of Hogwarts where he met the rest of the Potter faction. Sirius had returned to the Safe House but James didn't follow through with 'kicking his ass' for leaving. Instead everyone stayed very quiet most of the day, separate from each other with tensions high. "He was a bright young man when he was in school - very ambitious and had great strength."
"I'm aware of how strong he was, sir," Sirius said sourly. "What I don't know is why Longbottom gets a cut of my family fortune."
"He get's everything else," James shrugged. "Why not?"
Dumbledore turned and looked at James with a gentle but stern look, "Not everyone's life is perfect, James, free of storms. I often worry when someone's life has been free from turmoil for too long. It's often said that there is quiet before or after a storm. To have any bitterness for someone while their life is carefree will often lead to regret on the day their life becomes riddled with sorrow."
"Yes sir," James said.
"Sirius, your Great Uncle was a complicated boy when he was here. His... friendship... with Gareth Longbottom was very special. I had a friend like that once. He was a kindred spirit, closer than anyone could understand. No matter what transpired between your families, you should be glad to know that Regulus Black the First had an honorable friendship that he stood by no matter what."
"Well," Sirius smiled at James, "I know a thing or two about that."
"I understand your frustration though. It can be very hard to find out secrets the hard way about those you thought you knew. Isn't that right, Lily? James?"
The two instantly blushed and looked at one-another, "Sir... Did we tell you we're expecting a child?"
"Why nooooo," he said cheerily. "You didn't."
"Yes sir. He or She should arrive in early August."
"Splendid. A friend for the young Longbottom."
"I guess I didn't think of that," Sirius said. "If anything happens to Frank, my great-uncle's money will protect the kid."
"I don't really want to think about that possibility right now," Lily sighed and rest her hand on her stomach.
"Well then," Dumbledore adjusted his cloak. "It's almost time for me to meet Sybil for her interview. I want all of you to setup the perimeter as I requested. The last interviewee I had was not heard from again. I fear Voldemort's forces are seeking Seers as well. Aberforth will watch the back alley of the pub. Where are the others?"
"Peter, Tabs and Remus are on the south end of the village."
"Then I leave you in the capable leadership of Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "Good luck."
"You too sir," Sirius said then stepped beside James. "Well Potter? Am I with you or Evans?"
James looked between his wife and his best friend and thought of his conversation this morning. "No... No mate. Lily and I stick together. You go cover the path near the shack. I trust you."
"I never doubted it." He pat James on the shoulder then hurried down the hill.
Down the hill, Tabitha finished buying the supplies needed in the apothecary at Hogsmede. She looked across the shop to Peter who was watching carefully out the window and said, "You ok, Pete?"
"I just wish we could see what's going on."
"Not much. Trelawney arrived safely and she and Dumbledore should be sitting down for their meeting as we speak."
"Someone should cover the back of the pub."
"Aberforth has clear view of it and Remus is covering the alleys." She paid for her items at the counter then joined Peter at the front window. The winter air had killed most everything and the snow-clouds made the sky have a dark haze to it. "Feels like forever ago that we were kids here."
"Yea. I remember sitting on that bench at honeydukes and sharing chocolate frogs with Remus in our first year. Then over there," he pointed towards the pub, "I let Sirius stand on my shoulders so he could sneak in the windows of the pub and nick us some beers when we were fourteen."
"Muckers, the lot of you," she snickered. "Grand memories to pick from."
"Pick from?"
"For your patronus, I mean."
"Oh..." He looked away from her. "Right." He contimplated how no matter what memory he chose, the patronus wouldn't come. The memory of the Guardian Prophecy rang in his ears - Alone in the World. Peter thought if he was doing the right thing by burying the words in his memory, or did the prophecy really predict that he was the one chosen for treason. Was he really so unfeeling or so self-focused to allow such a thing. "Tabitha?" He was shocked when he said her name. Clearly his concious was guiding but he continued, "Can I confide in you?" No answer came, just her hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, he saw a fearful look on her face. "Tabitha?"
"Something's wrong..." she whispered and looked out the window. "Someone's closing in on us."
She started towards the door and Peter grabbed her wrist, "Why would you go find them then? Send a patronus to Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore said he's not to be interrupted. He's trying to get more than an interview out of this Seer. Maybe she has some knowledge that can help the war. We can't let anyone stop that meeting from happening. It's why we're here, Pete."
Tabitha ripped her hand away and raced into the street with Peter reluctantly behind her. She motioned to split up and sent him towards the Owl Post while she made her way to the back of the Apothecary to check the alleys for anyone hiding. She sensed someone near so she held her breath. It wasn't until she heard someone sniffing the air that she realized who it was.
Tabitha whirrled around and shouted "Stupif-" but was unable to finish the spell as a strong hand emerged from the darkness and pushed her so hard against the wall that ice and snow fell to the ground from the roof.
"Hello again, pet," Greyback chuckled as his hands closed around her neck. He wrenched her core-less wand away from her and examined it. "What have we here. This isn't your usual wand is it? A little extra caution to ensure we don't track you down later on? And what's this?" Tabitha angrily groaned at him through gritted teeth as used the wand to levitate the contents out of her bag and dumped them on the ground. "Wolfsbane? Ahhh let me guess. My mutt is getting too randy and you needed something to defend him." He looked furthur and frowned when he saw the rest of the ingredients. "I'll be damned," he looked at her face that was starting to turn red from the restricted air. "You're trying to cure him?" He let laughter rip through him. "So cute. Well If only it were that easy. But you see-" He stops suddenly and sniffs her. Something in his expression changes and he whispers. "No... no!" He shoved Tabitha harder against the wall and she began choking for air. "Does he know? Tell me, bitch! Does he know yet?!"
"K-know w-what?" she choked out as she clawed at his fingers. The look in Greyback's eyes brought her back to their first meeting. She only hoped this time didn't end worse than before.
"I hate to do this, my dear. I really do. But I can't have that mutt of mine have any connection to this earth. His soul is mine and nobody elses." He started squeezing tighter and Tabitha's light started to leave her eyes.
In a blur, Greyback suddenly fell away and Tabitha slumped to the ground, taking in all the breath she could. The world came back in to focus as she felt herself hoisted up off the ground by hands she recognized.
"Stay the hell away from her," Remus said. He'd been searching the perimeter as Dumbledore instructed when he spotted Greyback. He held Tabitha close to him and kept his wand aimed at the werewolf on the ground.
"Cute," Greyback groaned as he sat up. "Just a couple of bitches out for an evening stroll. Good to see you as always Remus."
"Tabitha," Remus said. "Get out of here."
"I'm not leaving you," she said in a hoarse voice.
"Don't worry children," Greyback said standing. "I'll go."
"W-what?" Remus checked over their shoulder quickly feeling it was a trap and Greyback just laughed.
"I can't kill you my boy. Not this close to your birthday, and such a special one at that. But her-" He pointed a dirty finger at Tabitha and she felt Remus' arm pull her closer into his chest. "She'll be hearing from me soon."
"Over my dead body," Remus said.
"Only if you insist, Remus," Greyback said in a cold tone. "Only if you insist. Tell me, Remus. Has the lust started yet?" Remus' heart skipped a beat as Greyback went on. "Have you smelled a her skin when she passes? Do you hear her blood pumping? It's such a burden when you refuse to satisfy it."
Remus didn't know what to say. He felt utterly violated knowing that Greyback had more knowledge of his ongoing battle than he did. Greyback seemed satisfied at Remus expression because he chuckled then turned and walked back into the darkness. "Tell my friends I'll see them at home. I've had enough excitement tonight."
When he departed, Remus looked at Tabitha. "You ok?"
"I'm ok," she whispered as her voice slowly returned. "What was he talking about?"
"I can't explain it now. You heard what he said about his friends? There may be other's here."
"Peter's by himself."
"Then let's go find him."
Outside the Hogshead Pub, Peter was scrambling to search the alleys, not certain if he wanted to find someone or not. He froze in his tracks when he heard footsteps. Peering around the corner of the pub, Peter spotted Severus Snape jumping onto a whiskey barrel then levitating it under his feet so he'd be level with the meeting room window.
Peter shook, uncertain of what to do. It was clear what Snape was doing. Dumbledore's fears were true. The Death Eaters heard about the interview with Trelawney. They were trying to get their hands on her first. Peter shakily aimed his wand towards Snape, still as hidden as he could be, but he didn't fire a spell. He just stood there shaking.
Do it you fool! Do it! You're a bloody coward. You're worthless on your own. Take him down! Whose side are you on?!
His invaisive thoughts grew so overwleming that he slummped to the ground behind some wine crates and cowered there. He heard a chuckle but for a moment thought it was just his own mind laughing at him. When he opened his eyes, though, he saw the boots of Max Forrestor. He squealed a bit when he looked up.
"Pettigrew, isn't it?"
Peter just aimed at him, "S-S-Stay back!"
"I'm not going to hurt you kid," he mocked. "I'm here to talk to you. I notice you had the chance to take down Severus just now. Why didn't you?"
"I... I don't... Y-you go away or I'll blast you!"
"No you won't," Max shakes his head then squats in front of him. "You won't because you don't know what the right path to take is. Am I right? I recognized that hesitation. I saw it in many men your age before. There's nothing wrong with letting fate do what it will with no interference, Peter."
"F-fate?"
"You know, Peter. You have a chance to really help people out here."
"Help them? Y-you're trying to kill them!"
"Unless you give us a reason not to. This is the only way forward, Peter. This is the future. Trust me. Look at all your friends resisting. The Tonks family in hiding. The McKinnon family split apart. The Delaney family completely missing except for that witch, and Greyback's going to take care of her."
"What do you mean?"
"Well let's just say Fenrir gets jealous. He's got serious plans to remove her from Remus' life. I could try to stop it if you gave me a reason."
"Tabitha would never join you!" He snapped.
"Then she dies. Those are the options, I'm afraid."
"But if Greyback cares about Voldemort then he won't kill her either!" He blurted out.
"Why not?" Max chuckled.
"T-there's a prophecy..." Peter admitted. He knew Tabitha's family prophecy may be a foretelling of Voldemort's demise. Maybe if the Death Eaters knew about it, they'd leave Tabitha and Remus alone.
Max grinned. "I'm listening. Tell me more."
Lily and James spotted Trelawney exit the pub from the hill but still waited until they saw Dumbledore's pheonix patronus cast in the sky before regrouping at the pub. They donned James' invisibility cloak and crept down the hill and into the pub which was rather calm this afternoon. When they reached the meeting room and removed their cloak, they found Dumbledore pacing. "Sir? How'd it-"
James was cut off as Dumbledore rushed to him, rest his hands on his shoulders and looked in square in the eye, "You said August? When in August?" James looked to Lily startled and Dumbledore gave him a gentle shake, "Your child, James. When in August?"
"Early," Lily said. "We can't have a due date yet, but most likely in the first couple of weeks."
"And Voldemort, you've never come face-to-face with him?"
"No, Sir. Never."
"Longbottom, They're expecitng a child?"
"In July," Lily said.
Dumbledore pulled back and started pacing again.
"Sir, what's going on?"
"I think it's best Longbottom lay low for a while. For now, it's best he's suspended from Auror duties."
"Well you know that won't stop Frank," Lily said.
"Sir what did Trelawney tell you?" James asked. He started at the headmaster who just looked at the two of them as if he was sending children off to war. In a way, isn't that what he'd done.
They heard a clawing at the door and James walked over it and let in Padfoot who instantly changed back, "Well I can say security against stray dogs is down significatly at this place."
"Black," Dumbledore said, "Where did you leave Longbottom after the bank?"
"He was going back to Benjy's. Why?"
"Albus!" called a booming voice. Up the steps came Aberforth Dumbledore, smelling of whiskey. "Your plan failed I'm afraid. You were one short on recruits for tonight?"
"One short?" Dumbledore asked.
"Little scrawney death eater with a crooked nose was eavesdropping. I can't tell if he heard the whole interview but I caught him levitating outside the window. Murdered a good barrel of whiskey to get him down."
"Slimey-haired?" James asked and Aberforth nodded. "Snape," he grimmaced.
"Where are the others?" Dumbledore asked.
"Didn't see a sign of em. Just scared the little prowler off and locked up."
Dumbledore walked over to the window and peered through the curtains. He spotted Peter, cowering in the corner. He was alone, but was clearly hiding with a strange look on his face. "Hmmm... one short..."