A/N: BIG chapter today as it is the final climax and basically the last chapter of book II. I'll have one more wrap up chapter after this to tie loose ends. Then I'm going to take a short breath through Halloween and will be posting the first chapter of Book III in a few weeks.

Book II: Age of the Phoenix

Chapter XXX : The First Defiance

Music Theme: Paint it, Black - The Rolling Stones

Ministry of Magic - Spring 1946...

Fleamont Potter moved quickly through the Ministry halls, a file tucked under his arms, and neared his office door. He acted as though he was a brand new detective on a hot lead, but the expression on his face suggested he was unsure if he wanted his mystery solved or not. He'd just reached for the handle of the office door when he heard a young voice call him. "Sir? You wanted to see me?"

Fleamont turned to face a young man, recently graduated, in his work uniform and a dull expression. "Tom? No... no I didn't send for you." He said to the young boy as he tucked the paperwork under his arm more.

"I should correct myself." Tom Riddle said in a cool tone. "I'm here to see you."

Fleamont reluctantly opened the door to his office and said, "Won't you come in?"

He checked over his shoulder before entering the suite of offices and leading Tom to his desk where the boy continued, "I've just been notified that my services as British Youth Representative are no longer required."

Fleamont set his paperwork down on the desk then turned to block it from view and look at Tom. "I'm very sorry, Tom."

"But not surprised, I'm sure," he replied sharply.

"No," Fleamont said stiffly, refusing to lie. "Not surprised."

"As it was your recommendation that I be dismissed?"

"It wasn't on my word alone, Tom," He assured.

"Does this have something to do with the Hogwarts case? I saw that file missing in the records room. Is that what you're hiding back there?"

"And what were you doing in there?" Fleamont scolded.

Tom didn't reply.

"You were found down there more than once, rummaging through the cabinets. At one point, Robert Ogden walked in on you going through his desk. Can you explain that?"

"I was looking for a spare quill."

"And the paperwork you stole on the Gaunt family?" Fleamont asked.

"You don't know that I took those," Tom confidently replied.

"No, I don't. That's fair. But I know you've been inquiring about them around the Ministry. Why? What are they to you, Tom?"

"They've got interesting ancestry is all," Tom shrugged. "I found it curious they didn't attend Hogwarts. Thought someone would know why."

"Because they aren't right in the head. Is that answer enough for you?" Fleamont snapped.

"If only it were." He glanced at the file on the desk, peeking out from behind Fleamont. "Is it true then? You're reopening the Muggle-Born case?"

"The Myrtle Warren Murder," Fleamont corrected. "The girl had a name."

"You know who did it. Rubius Hagrid admitted to releasing the beast and-" He paused and took a breath. "You don't trust me? Do you?"

"Trust is earned, Tom. And there are plenty of things around hear I swear you know more about than you admit. Now answer me this... what is it about the Gaunt family you wish to know?"

Tom wouldn't answer.

"What do you know of their murder?"

The boy stayed quiet, still.

"Or the Warren girl?"

Finally, Tom spoke up, "I know that death happens every day. We murder the very ants beneath our boots without batting an eye. We ignore the pain and suffering in the world while we sip our morning pumpkin juice. Sometimes you know the people who die, sometimes you don't. Sometimes they deserve death, sometimes they don't. I know that death isn't waisted though. Whatever happened to those... people... I'm sure it was for the greater good."

"That code of ethics is twisted and dark, Tom. The Wizengamot lives by a strict code. We do not justify death by any means."

"Not even punishment for a crime?" Tom shrugged. "I heard MACUSA still serves the death penalty in the States?"

"What were their crimes, Tom!?" Fleamont shouted as he grew more and more shocked at the boy's cold perspective. "One of them was a child. The rest was a family that lived a humble life of solitude. What could they have possibly done to deserve murder?"

Tom waited for the echo of Fleamont's shouts to cease then raised a single eyebrow and coolly asked, "Are you accusing me of something, Mr. Potter?"

The dark demeanor in the boys eyes left Fleamont feeling unsettled. There had always been something about this young man that felt unnatural, but now he felt as though he wasn't even speaking with someone fully human in their soul. "No... nothing. Nevermind, Tom."

"I hope you'll reconsider my termination," Tom asked.

"It's not my decision to make, Tom. I'm sorry." Fleamont gathered his files and tucked them in his briefcase as he said, "You're a bright lad. I'm sure you'll land on your feet."

"Which is more than I can say for you," Tom said.

Fleamont whirled around. "Is that a threat?

"No sir," Tom gave him a sickening smile. "Just a word of caution." With that, he turned on his heel and left Fleamont alone. In that moment, Fleamont Potter uttered a prayer and a wish, begging the universe to never intertwine a Potter's path with Tom Riddle's again.

Knockturn Alley - May 21, 1980...

Marlene panted heavily as she raced through Knockturn Alley, doing her best to stay out of sight. She was still reeling in disbelief and pride as she reflected on her escape. Sirius' pep-talk had done some good, helping her gain the confidence needed to escape.

She pressed herself against the cold stone walls of the crooked alley as some shady characters stood nearby. Marlene gazed at some of the oil lamps above their heads and with a single blink the flames amplified and burst the lamps, shattering the glass. The onlookers scattered and abandoned the street, allowing Marlene an opportunity to run out of its eerie corners and into the safety of Diagon Alley where she spotted the light aglow in Olivander's shop. She raced to the back door and banged on it desperately.

"Mr Olivander! Please let me in." She checked over her shoulder, expecting Rabastian Lestrange or Malfoy to be upon her, but she stumbled forward and into the arms of the elderly wandmaker as the door opened.

"Goodness! Miss McKinnon?" He had his telescopic lenses on, clearly burning the midnight oil on a new order of wands. He helped Marlene upright then closed and locked the door behind her. "What's happened to you?"

"Knockturn Alley. They kidnapped us. They're after James and Lily. Sirius is still there." she rambled on frantically until Mr. Olivander rest his hands on her shoulders and she took a few breaths. "I got away," was all she had left to say.

"Sit," he pointed to the stool at his workbench then hurried around the shop, blowing out the candles and tapping his wand to each wall to seal the windows.

Marlene caught her breath and shakily held Sirius' mirror up to her face, "Lily?" she called. "Are you there?"

"Marley!" She heard her friend on the other end.

"Oh, thank Godric," Marlene exhaled. "I couldn't risk calling you until I was somewhere safe. Where is James?"

"He's on the mission. Peter just arrived and told me he was separated from you and Sirius. Oh Marlene, what were you lot thinking following a lead so vague as that note to Sirius' house? Who has him?" Lily asked with worried impatience.

"Lestrange. Oh Lils, I think they're going to kill him and it's all my fault. I could have used my magic sooner to get us both out but I was so defeated, so afraid. Now they're doing who knows what to him and it's my fault."

"Marlene," Lily said in a serious tone. "They've anticipated our attack tonight which means your brothers could be in danger too. I'll send Peter to Hogwarts to warn Dumbledore but I need you to get to Lestrange Estate and warn James and the others."

"Alright," Marlene nodded.

"And stay away from the floo network. It sounds like all the accessible ones have been rigged. I'll see what I can do about that."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm going to find person who rigged them."

"Lily that could be anyone," she defended.

"Not anyone," Lily said as she shook her head, a glimmer of anger growing in her eyes.

"Lils, you have to stay safe. This whole thing was a trick to lure us out of hiding and it's working. You scurrying off to find a Death Eater isn't wise."

"It's my husband they're after, Marlene. Someone I love is in danger. Surely, you understand that I can't just sit still and allow that to happen."

Marlene reflected on Sirius. She remembered the sight of him being dragged away from her into the back room of Borgin and Burkes. She wondered if he was still alive, if they were hexing him or beating him. She worried she'd never see him again. She thought of how his words of strength got her through her fears and pushed her to control her powers and manage an escape. "Of course I understand," she said. "Be careful."

"I will. You too. Don't forget the Guardian is still out there. For all we know, he or she could be the thing that turns the tide tonight. Let's just hope we find them before the Death Eaters do."

Meanwhile at Hogwarts...

"Sherbert Lemon," Whispered Peter outside Dumbledore's office as the griffin on the door bowed to accept the password before granting entry. Peter kept his wand clasped between his hands and upright as if entering a lair, taking each step timidly until he arrived in front of Dumbledore's office. He exhaled a sigh of near relief as he found the place empty, but was startled as he spotted objects flying from the head masters desk. He peered around one of the large marble pillars to get a closer look only to find Peeves, the castle poltergeist, opening drawers with a snap then flinging Dumbledore's personal effects out and onto the floor.

"Peeves," Peter called.

"Ooooooo, lookie. Little rat boy back at his sneaky sneak again, is he?!" Peeves shouted.

"What are you doing in Dumbledore's desk?" He demanded to know.

"Headmaster's banned Peeves from the kitchens for charming the pasties. I'll show him I'll show him!"

"Stop it at once!" Peter shouted.

Peeves seemed intrigued as he stopped the ramapage and faced Peter, crossing his legs and arms and floating in the air seated. "Someone's grown a spine overnight I see?"

"That's right!" Peter said. "I have power. I'm not afraid of you. Now get out of here."

Peeves zoomed toward Peter who stifled a squeak and the ghost grinned viciously. "No no," Peeves said. "Little rat boy's still there. Something's given you false hope is all. Once that hope is crushed, you'll be back to what you are, little Peter. A pest."

Peeves angrily popped away as all the cabinets and drawers in the office flew open and sent papers and objects flying, including the intricate box that Dumbledore had been storing the mind tomb in since its return from Edgar Bones. The yellow and black stone stumbled out and Peter went to retrieve it, but not before hearing his name whispered.

"Peter?"

"Mum?" He knelt down and scooped the rock up as one of his suppressed memories surfaced, reappearing before his eyes like a vision while the stone was in his hand.

"Peter?" His mother called from it. "Please don't dawdle. We're going to be late." Peter looked about 7 or 8 in the memory as he was practically dragged through the streets by his mother.

"I don't wanna go," his younger self mumbled.

"Peter," Hector Pettigrew said as he adjusted a coat and tie as they rounded the corner onto Grimmauld Place and began to count the house numbers. "The Blacks have a boy your age that you can play with while we have dinner with the adults. This party is very important to Mummy and Daddy, alright?"

"Yes, sir," Peter grumbled. His older self watched the memory unfold in confusion. Peter had sworn Grimmauld Place was foreign to him before this evening, that he'd never met Sirius before school, but now he watched as he and his Parents neared the very same home he'd just left. What's more, Peter hadn't the faintest memory of this interaction nor a party, but he still felt as if he knew what was coming.

The memory continued as the Pettigrew family climbed the steps at the residence at Number 12 only for Victor Crabbe to barge out the door and stop them. "Hector, wait," he cautioned.

"Hello, Victor," Hector greeted. "Party over already?"

"For you," he replied, "I'm afraid so. Black won't allow it. I thought this would be a grand opportunity to introduce you to the rest of the Pureblood community, but..." he leaned in and poorly whispered, "They've heard the truth about the boy."

Twilagh tightened her grip on her son as Hector grew enraged. He shoved past Victor, despite the warning, and the Pettigrews stood in the foyer of the Black home.

Peter couldn't believe it as the memory unfolded before his eyes. Kreecher was right. Peter had been in that foyer before. He watched as his step-father and Orion Black exchanged heated words regarding blood status. He heard as Orion laughed in their faces, claiming the family was reaching for scraps from the Pureblood table. He watched himself cower behind his mothers skirts as the scene unfolded, other party attendees from Pureblood lines such as the Parkinsons, the Rosiers and the Lestranges all watched and chuckled into their drinks at the display before Twilagh grabbed her husband by the arm and forced them to exit to spare them from embarrassment. But as Peter followed, he took a final look back at the intricate staircase that led upstairs from the foyer where he spotted two boys peeking around the corner, one a year or so older than the other. The eldest was watching the display and spit his tongue out at the family as they left... Sirius."

Peter dropped the rock at his feet as the memory ended and felt a hand rest on his shoulder. He jumped and moved away, whirling around and aiming his wand only to find Dumbledore. "Professor?"

"The most painful memories can sometimes be the hardest to remember, can't they, Peter?" Dumbledore said in a caring tone.

"I... I'd forgotten all of that. Why?" But when Dumbledore didn't answer, Peter knew it was because he already knew the answer himself. "It was on the way home from that party that the accident happened. I said maybe Mr. Black turned us away because we didn't bring a gift. Pets make good gifts, I said. I saw a toad in the street and went running... father didn't hesitate to... to..."

"I'm so sorry, Peter. I didn't intend for you to remember this way. Did you see the full memory?" Dumbledore asked.

"I don't know..."

"Who did you see?" Dumbledore asked.

Peter reflected on Sirius' smirk in the memory. At only eight years old, Sirius had finally honed the expression that would forever grace his face. It was the same smirk he donned when they'd prank a first year or bully Snape. He had it on when he'd win an argument or when Peter would say something foolish. This whole time, Sirius' family had been the cause of that fateful night. Everything Peter was, his anxiousness... his fears... his mother, it all was a result of being turned away at that door. Had they been welcomed in that night then the filthy muggle wouldn't have run down his father. Peter would be everything he saw in Tom Riddle's vision, or more. But instead they were cast out like animals while some he thought to be his friend watched in amusement.

"Peter?" Dumbledore pulled him from his thoughts. "Anyone else?"

"No," Peter lied. "No sir. Just Orion."

"Well then," he drew his wand and flicked it to set his office right again from the mess. He held out his hand and said, "You shouldn't hold that long. The grief inside it can consume you if you aren't careful. Let's put the memory where it belongs... in the past."

Peter handed the stone to the headmaster he set it into the box again before putting it on his desk. "I assume you didn't come here for a visit with Peeves."

"No sir. I came to tell you that we think James is in trouble."

"In trouble?" Dumbledore faced him.

"Marlene and I got separated from Sirius. I think they're holding him as leverage for James in Knockturn Alley."

"How can you be sure of this?" Dumbledore asked.

"A floo network trap. It was rigged. That's how we got separated."

"And where did the floo take you?"

"To Malfoy Manor, but nobody was there when I arrived."

"Nobody?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well... um..." Peter looked uncertain.

"Peter," Dumbledore took a step forward. "Were you approached tonight by someone?"

"Approached sir? No," he said. "No, I just was in an empty room, but I got away."

"I see." He said but looked intently at the boy. "Well lets go find the others, shall we?"

Peter nodded but looked back at the box which held the stone. All this time Dumbledore knew and didn't tell him. Once again he was the last to know... and he was tiring of that.

Meanwhile...

Rudolphus shoved James up the hallway of what appeared to be an abandoned home. All pictures on the walls had been destroyed or mutilated and it cause James' anger to rise as he recalled Snape's admittance of guilt regarding his role in the destruction of the Potter home and in their deaths. James did his best to resist as he was escorted through the unfamiliar home and held his head high, ready for whatever stood behind the door they swiftly approached upstairs. He knew he'd likely be walking into some torturous. He recalled Marvin's stories of the few hours he spent at Lestrange's home and the screams from the basement. Still, he kept his thoughts on Sirius. Whatever waited in this room, he'd face it for him.

Rudolphus opened the door and James was shoved into the room with force, his eyes shut tightly as he braced himself for whatever came... but all he heard was a familiar and worried voice. "Potter?"

James opened his eyes and saw Frank in a rather humble sitting room with gloomy coloring. He sat in a large armchair by the fireplace with a tea set in front of him and a tower of scones.

"Enjoy, Potter," Rudolphus smirked before backing out of the room and locking the double door behind him.

"Frank?" James immeditely turned to face him again.

The man looked defeated in his seat, his eyes tired and his hands turning a diamond ring over in them. "They've got Alice. She had this on her finger when I left the house."

"They've got Sirius..." James replied.

"You're sure?"

"No I'm not sure. But I'm not waiting around here to find out," He said through gritted teeth and charged the windows.

"Potter don't..." Frank warned.

James set his hands on the windows only to be blasted backward onto the floor. "Damn," he groaned, "A protection charm." He spotted the fireplace and jumped up.

"James..."

"They must have spilled floo powder somewhere. Or maybe I can manipulate this flame."

"James stop," Frank sighed.

"McKinnon, does it why can't I?"

"Potter look at me!" Frank shouted and James did so. "I've tried everything, alright? You think I'd be sitting here twidling my thumbs while my wife is in danger?"

James took a beat then asked, "How long have you been here?"

"I lost track..."

James contemplated the situation looking around the room then to the tea. "Are the scones good at least?"

"Haven't had any. Probably laced with something," Frank said and slunk back into the chair.

"Any idea where we are?" James asked.

"I guess you could say we're in my house," Frank said and looked at James who nodded as if pretending to understand. "You know, Potter. You're allowed to ask for clarification. You don't always have to act is though you're the smartest person in the room." James was taken aback by Franks' bluntness. Frank quickly said, "Sorry... bad mood. This is Old Reggie Black's house. He bought it when he ran out on his family. My grandfather supported him for a bit and I think Dad even came here some as a kid. It's been abandoned since Old Regulus died. It was part of my inheritance as his godson. I bet Bellatrix suggested it as poetic justice to use it as my bloody prison tonight. Did you see the number she did on all Regulus' photos?"

"I saw." James walked to the sofa opposite Frank and sat down. He just stared at the scone tower, perfectly crafted to mock them as if to suggest the Death Eaters were the more sophisticated lot of the bunch.

"You know what this is going to be, don't you?" Frank asked.

"They're going to ask for our children," James said without hesitation.

"And we'll defy them."

"For the first time..." They both sat a long while in though before James said, "You know, there was a time when I would have done anything to keep up with you, the amazing Frank Longbottom. I guess I'm getting my wish now..."

"Wait," Frank muttered. "You're jealous of me?"

"Sometimes..."

"Potter... I envy you!" Frank sat up.

"What?" James looked up finally and stared at the older young man who went on.

"I was pissed as hell you got Gryffindor! My Grandad was always going on and on about your parents and their school days together. Not a family reunion went by that I didn't hear the name, Potter, pop up. Then you got Gryffindor and I knew you'd be more popular than me. When you made the Quidditch team in your first year, I knew I had to do something to stay... well... stay relevant. That's why I decided to excel in studies and make Prefect and Head Boy."

James stood, "I worked to get Head Boy because I didn't want you to have the satisfaction that you'd gotten it and I didn't!"

Frank stood now with a smile. "I spent all my money on the Nimbus 1000 because you'd gotten one at Christmas."

"I threw that broom away the minute you got one and got the Lightning Bolt so my broom would be better than yours! How pathetic is that?"

"Pathetic?! You're talking to the bloke who proposed to his girlfriend at a party for a school he didn't even go to anymore because my ego was so inflated!"

"I was pissed as hell when you proposed because I'd just asked Lily to move in with me so that gesture looked like shit compared to a proposal!"

Finally they allowed their egos to fall away and embraced one another in a brotherly hug and let the dark moment be filled with laughter. "Frank," James said. "I'm so sorry..."

"Oh mate, forgive me," Frank replied. "I'd no idea you felt that way about me. I always liked you."

"I know. You got me on The Order. Dumbledore told me what you said."

Frank pulled away and faced him. "I meant it, James. Despite my years of jealousy, I've always tried to prioritize the greater good. You were the greatest good I could think of."

"How can you be sure? You're talking to the kid who pouted at the drop of a hat and bullied a bunch of kids."

"James... Did your father ever share anything about old Reggie Black with you?" James shook his head and he went on. "My Godfather was a bully. He tormented kids in your school, your dad likely being one of them. But for some reason he looked up to my Grandfather. They became friends and my Grandpa Gareth gave Regulus Black a second chance. I was always raised not judge a book by it's cover and to always remember the first chapter doesn't represent the whole story. I think the thing I envy most about you is that you had the courage to change. Not everyone can do that."

"Thank you, Frank..." James looked around the room. "We will find a way out of here. We will get back to our wives. We will have two kids that are going to grow up to be friends... and hopefully not resent each other as much as we do. Lots of years waisted on jealousy."

"Agreed," Frank said. "No matter what the path holds ahead of us, Potter, our families are going to face it together."

The statement had tempted fate as the boys heard steps approaching the door. Everything in the room around them began to shake as it if was trembling in fear. Both of them nodded to one another to stand firm but they quickly fell a pulse of magic course through them and a loud hiss echoed in their ears as if commanding them back to their seats. Their knees buckled and they climbed back to their seats as the chairs moved backward and divided them. Then silence. The room was still... too still. It felt as if they were in the eye of a hurricane. James stared at the doorknob and watched it turn slowly. As the door opened, a chill swept through the room as the boys witnessed their visitor.

Back at Mulciber's Home...

Mulciber had received an owl from Lestrange, informing him their plans to lure Frank and James into traps were a success. He'd inflicted enough damage on Mary, the poor witch's lip bleeding from how fiercely she'd bit down on it to swallow her screams. Before leaving the girls alone to send his response to Lestrange, he stroked her gently on the cheek, instructing her to 'behave and talk amongst yourselves,' in a taunting way.

As they were left behind in the locked room, Alice scrambled across the floor and took her friend in her arms. "Mary are you ok?"

"This is my fault," she said in a weak whisper. "I brought you here. Snape found out I was the spy and brought me to Mulciber who used the imperious curse on me to pull you out of hiding. Now that I'm exposed, Mulciber's going to be in hot water with Voldemort. He's not going to take that lightly."

"I'll stop him."

"Alice, listen to me. There are things you have to know."

"We both are getting out of her, Mary." Alice said urgently as she looked around for an escape.

"Alice..." Mary just shook her head and a tear streamed down her face. "I can hear his thoughts. What you see on the outside is just anger and violence, but on the inside... Mulciber is panicking. He knows Snape will reveal his treason for allowing a spy in their midst for the sake of his own pleasures. His life is at risk. The only thing that will save his skin is-"

"Is killing you," Alice whispered.

"Snape already was instructed to do it. Mulciber wants to beat him to it. That's why you can't let all his methods tonight work, Alice. You have to stay strong. I'm a dead witch walking anyway. There's so much I want to tell you. So much I want to thank you for. But there isn't time. What's important is the Guardian. It's-"

"Guardian be damned!" Alice snapped as her eyes filled with angry tears. "I don't care who it is, Mary. I care about saving my friends."

"And you can save them all by warning them," Mary said. "I know who it is. And that's not all. The prophecy means more than you think. It means-" she stopped when she looked over Alice's shoulder and caught Mulciber standing in the doorway that he'd quietly opened to listen. She was unsure how much he'd heard, but was simply grateful she'd stopped herself in time.

"You don't have to stop on my account, MacDonald," Mulciber laughed and Alice clung to her at the sound of his voice as he added, "I, for one, would be very interested in this information."

"Mary," Alice whispered in her ear. "Even if you say it, there's a chance we can beat the Death Eaters to the punch."

"Don't be so sure," Mulciber laughed as he slammed the door shut and caught Alice scowling at him. "What? Thought she could whisper it to you? It's not a sound proofed room, Longbottom." He flicked his wand at them, "flippedo." Mary leaned forward so the spell would catch her instead of her friend. Alice clawed at the air as the spell sent Mary reeling backward, slamming against the floor.

Mulciber strolled up to her with heavy steps and kneeled between them, pressing his wand under her chin and raising her face toward him. "You're a ligilimence?"

Mary's gut twisted as she realized how much he'd heard. She watched a malicious smile cross his face. "So I don't even need Alice to tell me what she knows about the Potters. I just have to command you to tell me what she knows."

"No!" Alice shouted, unsure of how to even start blocking her thoughts from Mary and trying her best to keep the vision of the safe house out of her mind.

"You're wrong about me, Mary," Mulciber said. "I'm not afraid of you or anyone else. How could I possibly be afraid of the tramp who I was able to overpower time and time again? So bloody weak."

With Mulciber so close, Mary used the opportunity to grasp his wand and struggle for it. They tussled a bit as she snatched it away, Mulciber simply wrapping her in his arms and laughing as he kept a hold on her, knowing that all he had to command was for her to drop it but enjoying the tussle as she pathetically was unable to point it anywhere near him. "Go ahead Mary. Try to hit me with a spell without aiming. What special tricks has Dumbledore taught you all," he laughed as he held her tightly.

Mary's mind was only on one person. She thought of Fabian's kind eyes that gave her strength. She remembered his words, suggesting she was the strongest he knew. Finally, she stopped moving and shouted, "Expecto Patronum," and her Occomacy appeared and gazed at her as Mulciber chuckled.

"We aren't fighting dementors, idiot," he laughed.

"Get help!" She shouted as the patronus vanished.

Mulciber realized his error, wondering now if there was more to the patronus than he knew. "Drop the wand," he said and she obeyed as he ripped it away but kept her in his grasp. Unsure where the patronus was going or how long he had, he desperately commanded, "Tell me who the Guardian is!"

"Mary," Alice interjected, "It's ok. We will find them first. If it's one of us we can protect them from Voldemort."

"Alice-" she tried to speak more but the pull of the vow tightened on her very soul.

Mulciber whispered harshly into her ear, "The next words from your mouth better be the Guardian's name..."

Mary simply nodded as she listened to his thoughts. They were wild and desperate. He was rushing, becoming more and more reckless. Mary looked on at Alice and heard her friend's mind. Alice's thoughts were still, and sad. She knew Mary too well and knew her next move. Mary only wished at this moment she could return the gesture of allowing Alice to hear how much she valued her friend, how much she wished to be there in a few weeks when the new little Longbottom would enter the world. She knew one syllable of Peter's name and Mulciber would go after the boy before she even finished it. Mary had never been able to get a clear read on Peter. He kept his thoughts concealed so much that his mind seemed blank and conflicted all at once. Such an unstable soul would make someone like that moldable by anyone, good or bad. She couldn't let him fall into the hands of someone as controlling and wicked as Mulciber. All she could do was trust the Order to find him out and give him a fighting chance.

"Mary," Mulciber warned again, "I command it."

Mary turned to face him, rest a hand against his cheek which brought a cold glare to his face. Suddenly she clutched him by the jaw the same way he frequently held her. She opened her mouth... and answered him by hissing, "Go to hell... you, whore."

Meanwhile at the Lestrange Estate...

Marlene arrived at the Lestrange home and was instantly greeted by an unsettling silence. Suddenly she heard a pop beside her and ducked behind a tree as someone hastened through the treeline towards the gate of the ancient home. She considered Sirius, depending on her to get help, all that he'd said of having to manage alone, and she leapt from her hiding spot, grabbing the intruder and raising her hand, summoning some sparks between her fingers.

"Marlene!?" Remus gasped as he reflexively raised his wand to her face. He spotted her hand, the electric magic ready to zap him and added, "well that's wicked."

"Remus!" She lowered her hand, "Where is everyone?"

"I only just got here," he said with his focus on the house. "It's a long story I'd rather not get into right now. What's with the fireworks?"

"I don't have my wand. No time to explain, come on. James is in trouble."

She took his hand and pulled him towards the house. Remus' stomach churned as his fear was realized. Greyback's suggestions that this was a trap had been confirmed. As the two entered the home, Remus stepped forward into the empty foyer to shield Marlene but whispered, "Not sure why I'm taking the lead. I know I'm the one one armed but I'm starting to think that's not a worry for you." He half expected her to grin with pride at that, but there was still panic on her face as she avoided eye-contact with him. "Just tell me, McKinnon..." he said in defeat as he knew there must be news to share and he hadn't any more strength to drag it out.

"They have Sirius," she said.

Remus set his jaw as Marlene went on.

"He's at some pawn shop in Knockturn. The same place the Death Eaters meet. But I had to come here because James is-"

"Is the priority..." Remus finished for her as he realized the stakes involved. "Because of the prophecy."

Marlene nodded and said, "But Lily told me to come here for help and Peter is going to get Dumbledore."

Just then they heard someone running down the steps shouting, "Marvin!"

"That's Angus," Marlene said and relief swept over her as he appeared at the bottom of the step.

The moment the young man spotted the blonde witch, his panic faded. "Marlene you're ok!" He ran toward his sister and embraced her. "Potter said you'd been taken! He said they had you! He said-"

"I'm fine, big brother," she said. "I'm fine."

Remus spoke up. "James is still here?"

"No," Angus said sadly as the exhausted Prewett's came down the steps behind him, finally giving up on their efforts to break the charm on the 2nd floor doors. "I'm sorry mate. He ran after Snape."

Gideon said, "Frank is gone too. They-" He pause when he realized everyone else was looking the other way, their attention seized by movement. Fabian rest a hand on his brother to instruct him to turn and all five looked on at the top fo the basement's stairs as Alastor Moody and Marvin ascended with an uncharacteristic looks of dread.

The room was quiet, eerily so, as Anugus called, "Marv? The prisoners?"

"All slaughtered," his brother said weakly. "Men... women... mostly muggles we think. Three times the amount of people I recall seeing here. They're all dead down there, laying in their own blood..."

"So yes," Alastor added gruffly, "They knew we were coming..."

"Where's Edgar?" Fabian asked nervously as Alastor and Marvin parted to reveal the alchemist slowly ascending the steps. One deceased woman lay in his arms and Remus felt ill at the sight.

"Enda?" Remus asked and Alastor nodded.

The woman was in the same dress Remus had last seen her in the night she aided the boys on their first Order mission. She'd unlocked a door for them. That was her crime. And her punishment was this? He choked back the anger and pain as did everyone else at the sight of the woman in her brother's arms.

"Edgar... please forgive me," Marvin whispered to him. "If I hadn't given up so soon on our work, if I'd tried to use the stone more in the beginning we could have gotten in here sooner."

"We don't know that, McKinnon," Alastor said. "But we should go. Nothing much we can do here now that they've used the place to showboat their cruel work."

"No." Angus said. "This isn't the end of it..."

"What do you mean?"

"Snape and Lestrange. They were here. They've got Potter and Frank."

"And Sirius," Remus added.

"No..." Alastor groaned as he slammed his fist against the wall beside him.

"We have to get out of here," Edgar whispered to his friend weakly as he clutched his sister. "We have to help them."

The calming voice of Benjy Fenwick approached as he appeared atop the stairs. He was covered in blood, likely having cleaned the bodies to grant the dead a more peaceful resting place. "No, Ed." Benjy rest a hand on his shoulder. "No, you have to be with Edna now. I'll take you home." He looked to Alastor for permission and the man grunted with a single nod.

"The rest of us are going after Potter and Longbottom."

"What about Sirius?" Marlene asked. "At Borgin and Burkes."

"I'll handle Sirius," Remus offered.

"Good man," Alastor grunted. "Send a Patronus to the Pettigrew kid and he can meet you there with reinforcements to help."

"He's got reinforcements," Marvin said. "I'll come with you, Lupin. Angus, Marley... stay together... please."

"Benjy," Madeye said softy to his friend. "Get the Bones home safely. I'll send a Partonus when we get word on the location of Potter and Longbottom."

Benjy did as he was instructed, wrapping an arm around his grief stricken comrade and leading everyone from the home.

Once outside, Marlene whispered to Remus, "You ok?"

"Edna was always kind to me," he inhaled sharply, as if seizing every emotion trying to escape. He would not allowing himself to willingly be held captive by his emotions a second more while his friends were in danger.

"Ready?" Fabian called as they all prepared to split up, but paused as he saw a light approaching. "What's this?" It took him only a moment to realize it was Mary's Occamy Patronus. The light of it was fading fast, as if its source was weakening. It didn't speak to him, but appeared to be leading him towards something. "It's Mary... She's in trouble."

"It could be a trap," Gideon rest a hand on his shoulder.

"This whole bloody night's a trap!" he snapped and pulled away.

"We don't have time to argue," Remus insisted as his anger grew. "Go Fabian. If you think Mary's in trouble then go... every second counts. Trust me..."

With those words Fabian gave everyone a parting glance and hearing no objections he said, "I'll be careful," before reaching out to the patronus and vanishing along with it.

Meanwhile in Spinner's End...

Snape rested easy in his sitting room, his feet propped up on the ottoman and his teacup in his hand as he happily thought of James in Lestrange's trap. He'd finally won. He only wished he could be there to watch the idiotic smirk wiped from James' face, but he just leaned back and relaxed as he awaited his next instructions. Suddenly, he heard a shuffle outside. Snape sat upright and stared at the door and window. He stood and tip toed towards the latter and peeked outside, spotting something stirring in the bushes. With hasted he moved towards the back of the house to check the kitchen door and found it ajar. He closed and locked it then noticed some branches of the trees outside stir in the morning haze. The sky was still pretty dark and he couldn't tell if the early morning dew was just all he saw or if something was hiding in the shadows. Snape heard the crackle of his fireplace in his sitting room and raced back to it, wand at the ready. The moment he entered he heard someone say, "Expelliarmus" and the wand flew from his hand. Turning, he was shocked to find Lily sitting on his sofa. She caught his wand and aimed it towards him.

"Hope you don't mind," Lily said nodding to the fireplace. "Thought I would jam the floo for a bit while we talked."

"Lily? What are you-"

"No," she said standing up. "It's my turn to talk." She flicked his wand towards one of the arm chairs and it flew forward, forcing him into it.

"You do realize with my Dark Mark I could call Voldemort's forces here to catch you?" He suggested.

"Then do it," she said. "We'll be ready for them."

"We?" He thought of the shrubs outside and the noises of twigs snapping. "Ah. So you brought a party out there?"

"You didn't think I'd walk into your evil lair without backup, did you?"

"It's not a lair," he rolled his eyes.

"Where is my husband?" She asked.

"Why ask me? Not everyone is infatuated with him, you know?"

"I'm not an idiot, Snape."

"You sure? You married one," he grunted.

The chair flew forward and stopped just in front of Lily. She pressed the wand to his neck. "Have you seen him?"

"Yes." He choked and caught his breath.

"When?"

"I just came from the Lestrange Estate and led him to the rigged floo-"

"Where is it taking him?"

"How are you doing this?"

"Tell me!"

"Tornington Knoll," He said quickly. "The old Black house on the hill." Snape glanced around the room and spotted his teacup and an empty vile near it. "Clever, Lily. You laced my cup with veritasirm, didn't you? You've been here a while."

"I beat you here by a good five minutes and got to work. I laced it while you were putting the kettle away."

"How did I not see you?" He grumbled

"I'm asking the questions, Severus. Who is with James?" She asked.

"Lestrange. Probably Longbottom by now... if you don't get out of here they'll have you too," he warned.

"What do they want from them?" She asked.

"Lily," he leaned his head back and shut his eyes to concentrate on his words, doing his best to avoid answering her question. "If you continue to force things out of me that I cannot share, then I'll have no other recourse but to call in reinforcements to stop you. If they come. They'll kill you."

"And you suddenly don't want that?"

"I've never wanted that!" He snapped and looked right at her. "I don't want you involved with this at all or involved with him! I've tried to leave you out of this. This is Potter's fault. He couldn't keep it in his pants and now they're after you."

"So it's true," she said when she caught him glancing at her bump. "They're after my unborn child."

"They don't have to be. You could co-operate," He suggested.

"I don't negotiate with people like them."

"People like me, you mean?" He asked as he looked her in the eye.

They gazed at each other a moment and Lily was tempted to ask more while he was in the state, but she never was one to take advantage. She only finished with, "How did you get James to follow you into the floo?"

Snape did his best not to answer.

"He's not as reckless as he used to be. Even telling him about Sirius wouldn't have prompted him to be so hasty with something so obviously a trap. What was it that convinced him to follow you?"

"Only the truth," he grumbled.

"Which is?"

Snape looked into her green eyes as if he knew it would be the last time he saw them with anything short of hatred for him as he admitted, "The virus that killed his parents... I slipped it to them."

Lily backed up in disbelief as the last shred of hope for her old friend vanished.

"Lily... I'm so-" he choked a bit unable to finish as the potion did its work.

"You're not even sorry for it?"

In his heart, his hatred for James kept him from being fully remorseful, but he hated seeing Lily stare at him this way. "I'm sorry you found out this way. I didn't think they'd die."

"I'm sorry too," she whispered then flicked the wand at him and shouted, "stupefy." The charm sent him reeling backward, the chair crashing against the wall and him falling to the floor with a groan. Lily grabbed the invisibility cloak that was hiding itself on the floor and swiftly exited before her anger forced her to do more and hurried up Spinner's End as the dawn cold air gave her chills to combat her hot temper. The trees and bushes still rustled, shadows moved past Snape's lawn and twigs snapped around it. "Kip?" she called.

The elf appeared beside her with a pop and said, "How'd I do Misses Lilys? Did the mans thinks I was a whole armies?"

"You did splendid Kip," She said and the house elf snapped his fingers to silence the trees. "Now let's go get James." She took his hand and the two of them vanished.

Back in Knockturn Alley...

Sirius stirred slightly from his seat on the floor, propped up against the wall. He waited as Malfoy and Rabastian searched for Marlene, being left behind with Narcissa and Bellatrix as his guards, the former sitting right in front of him at the table. He let a sour expression cross his face as he struggled against the binds only for Narcissa to address him without even a glance.

"Stop moving, Sirius. You'll just make yourself more uncomfortable."

"She speaks," he grumbled at her. "What's wrong, Narcissa? Only have a voice when your sister's in the other room unable to hear it."

Narcissa didn't answer but Sirius caught sight of her resting her hand on her stomach and staring away as if in thought.

"Don't worry," he taunted. "I'm sure your kid won't turn out like me. You'll make sure it's safe and sound. The same way you protected Regulus?"

"Do not lecture me about that boy!" She said defensively as she slammed her hand on the table. "I will keep my child shielded from any harm and I will cut down anyone who threatens him. He is my priority. He is my sole responsibility. I will not let a bunch of foolish children playing hero come between us."

"So you admit it?" Sirius asked. "We're the heroes? I wonder what that makes you lot."

Narcissa just grabbed her chair to shove it in closer to the table and spin away from him. Sirius gazed at her. Her posture was as perfect as ever, even being pregnant. Not a hair was out of place. Her style seemed so perfected and her face had no smile lines nor frown wrinkles. She was a statue, perfectly poised with no personality. But the passion she showed for her family and the eagerness to defend her son had shown Sirius the side of her who every now and then would attempt to rebel. Deep behind the stone cold face, he knew there was a spark there that caused her to aid him those years ago. It was the same Narcissa who took Regulus under her wing.

"For the record," Sirius said, "Andromeda told me the part you played in my freedom from that dreadful house."

"Andromeda's a fool," she whispered.

"She told me she'd die before she hurt you. But you sit here and allow your nut job older sister to toy with your family over a war that she's grown lustful after."

She opened her mouth and for a moment, it appeared she was going to say something genuine when the door burst open and Bellatrix rushed in. "They've found us. Saw the plump one with the pimples race up the alley.

"How? Forrestor was supposed to be guarding the streets," Narcissa asked.

"Wormtail," Sirius sat upright and proudly said, "He has a way of slipping by people right under their noses."

"The others won't be far behind," Narcissa said.

"Stay with the degenerate," she jerked her head in Sirius direction. "If I've not returned in three minutes, start on him."

"Me?" Narcissa shot out of her chair.

"Is there a problem?" Bellatrix asked and stepped towards her sister. "Having a guilt complex over our little ex-cousin?"

"It's just that," Narcissa adjusted her tone to remove any glimmer of anxiety. "If he's leverage for Potter then we can't dispose of him too soon."

"Perhaps not," Bellatrix said and gave a dark stare in Sirius' direction. He just locked eyes with her as she said, "But he'd make such a pretty example of what's to come for those who refuse us. If I were you, I'd apply some damage to the face, given that he's so fond of it. I'll go take care of the other one."

"If you lay a finger on Wormtail..." Sirius said but Bellatrix simply flicked him off and said, "Like this one? Don't mind if I do." She then giggled on her way out and Narcissa followed to guard the front door.

"Cissa, please-"

"Just behave," she sighed. "For once." She then closed the door behind her and locked it as Sirius tried freeing himself once more, but ropes were constricting most of the blood flow in his wrists. He shut his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall with a sigh when he heard a flash of a charm on the back door. He heard the lock turn and the door creaked open. Looking at the door, he felt his heart nearly stop at the sight of Remus peeking in.

"Padfoot?" Remus whispered.

"Moony!" He sat upright.

"Come on let's go," Remus whispered.

"Right, I'll get right on that," Sirius said sarcastically then snapped, "I'm a bit tied up, you blind tree."

"I mean change to Padfoot and slip out," Remus whispered back.

"Think I would have already thought of that? They're bloody enchanted ropes. Now come turn me loose."

Remus clambered into the room. "No need to get snippy." He got close to Sirius and began working the ropes when he caught Sirius staring at his face. "What?"

"What happened to your face?"

"A few years too late to finally be asking that, don't you think?" Remus said as he rolled his eyes.

"No, it's fresh you smart-ass," Sirius grumbled. "It looks like someone dug fingernails into your cheek."

"Oh, that..." Remus sighed as he reflected on his fight with Greyback. "It's nothing."

Sirius looked at his knuckles as he pulled his hands away and spotted the blood on them.

"Don't ask, Padfoot... Please," Remus said, "I don't want to talk about it."

"Ok," Sirius nodded and massaged his wrists once they were free. "Any word from James? They said they were going after him."

"We know. Marlene warned us."

"She made it?" He beamed. "Good girl. No thanks to me. Should have known it was a bloody trap."

"Yes well, maybe one day you'll learn to stop being so impulsive and think with that thick head of yours," Remus grunted and stood up. He looked down at Sirius who remained on the floor a moment.

"So this is us now?" Sirius asked. "Like an old divorced couple? Always bickering?"

"Can we not do this here?" Remus whispered and extended his hand to help Sirius up. "Where's your wand? And Marlene's."

"We aren't total idiots, Moony," Sirius said. "We made sure we took the coreless wands with us so they can't be traced. Our personal wands are hidden in my... my bike! Damn it's still outside my house."

"We can get it," Remus said.

"No. James first." Sirius said. I can go without a wand for a bit."

"Dumbledore told Peter that we were to get you out and go to the Hogshead. He wouldn't tell us where James was."

"No!" Sirius whispered harshly. "I'm going after my friend."

"He's our friend, and we're doing what Dumbledore told us for a change. The stakes are too high, Sirius."

"I'd listen to him." A voice called from the door. Narcissa had sensed something wrong and opened the door from the front room quietly. She was aiming her wand at them.

"Remus," Sirius grumbled not missing a beat, "I don't think I need to reintroduce you to my cousin. The one that always turns up when she's not wanted."

"Narcissa," Remus took a step in front of Sirius with a calm tone. "Don't make this difficult."

"Neither of you are leaving," She said sternly. "At least you'll have company this time, Siri."

Suddenly a soft voice came from the back door, "No, Cissa." Marvin entered and approached the boys, stepping between them and Narcissa. "You're going to end this."

"Marvin?" She gasped at the sight of him, his eyes instantly showing the betrayal in them. "You don't understand," she said but he cut her off.

"Don't patronize me, Cissa," He aimed at her. "Go on, boys. I've got this." They tried to protest only for him to snap, "I said go!"

Sirius grabbed Remus by the arm and pulled him out, leaving Narcissa and Marvin alone.

"Marvin," she cautioned. "Don't make me hurt you."

"You won't. A blood oath doesn't allow one to harm the other. I'm here to save you from yourself."

"You don't know anything about me," she hissed.

"I know you don't care about the prophecy, do you? You just know Voldemort is after a kid and figured he'd opt for yours if he can't get his hands on another. That's why you used the blood oath on me."

"My child will not be the chosen one," she defended.

"You'll make sure of it, won't you?" Marvin asked. When she didn't answer he said, "You're stronger than you think, Narcissa. It seems you're the only one who hasn't realized it. So you sit in here and pout, not showing any signs of imperfection so that you won't be cast away from those who love you when the reality is that you've pushed away the only people who really care about you and you alone.

"Marvin," she quickly said trying to stop him. "Bellatrix will come and will attack you..."

"And you'll defend me," he said confidently. "You'll have to. Otherwise you've lost your little solider within Dumbledore's ranks, right?" He watched as the realization hit her. "So what's it to be, Narcissa? You let us go to keep your blood oath in tact before Bellatrix gets here or you defend me in front of her and reveal what you've done. She won't take kindly to you being bound in blood with a traitor like me."

Narcissa kept her head high but lowered her wand. For a moment, she was the vision of the young girl he'd pined for year after year. She just shook her head as if having an internal debate with herself then finally muttered, "Go."

Marvin was tempted to say more, but simply backed up and closed the door behind him.

He quickly rejoined Remus and Sirius around the corner and said, "Let's go before she changes her mind. Narcissa always was a bit bipolar when her temper was up."

"Runs in the family," Sirius muttered. "Where's Wormtail?"

"He was going to lure Bellatrix out then escape to the north alley," Remus said. "He's waiting for us there."

"Any clue where James is?"

"Yes, Lily sent a Patronus to Wormtail and Dumbledore. We've got an idea where he is," Remus whispered.

Marvin finished, "And it's not good..."

Meanwhile at Regulus Black's Home...

"Voldemort..." Frank whispered as the shadowy figure entered the room. He wore dark robes that ran down to his feet and walked so silently that he appeared to almost float. Half of his face was deformed and snake-like, a symptom of overuse of dark and forbidden hexes. His eyes were the most prominent feature as he kept one of each trained on either young man. Rudolphus stayed a few steps behind to guard the door as Voldemort circled the boys who dared not to move.

James couldn't keep his eyes off the man in front of him. His skin so white he looked dead and his face so narow that it looked like it has been stripped down to the skull.

A vicious smile curled across Voldemort's lips as he said, "Expecting someone else, Potter?"

James refused to answer, knowing his voice would tremble and he knew he had to stay strong.

"Nothing to say?" Voldemort asked then turned to Frank. "And you, Mr. Longbottom? No questions about your wife's welfare at all."

Frank clutched the arms of his chair vigorously but James cleared his throat to keep him calm.

"Tell me, James..." Voldemort turned back to James and the man's voice made his hair stand up, "Did your father ever tell you about me?"

James gulped down any tremor he had and said, "He said he knew you by another name..."

"Yes he did... a weaker name. Tell me, do you know it?"

James paused before saying, "I'd rather not say it, given how everyone who knew the man is dying off... my father included."

"Your wiser than he is then... or was. I'll admit that comes as a surprise seeing as how you did the most foolish thing a Pureblood could do, marrying a filthy Mudblood."

James shot out of his chair only for Voldemort to flick his wand lazily and slam the boy back into it as a powerful force kept James pushed into his seat.

"Longbottom, your family always seem to turn up where you aren't wanted in every generation, don't you?" Voldemort asked.

"Spoken rather proudly from someone borrowing my home as their hideaway," Frank muttered.

"Oooo, you have spirit. You both do. Too bad you're both pesky pawns in the game and so disposable. It almost begs the question, what is your family's great purpose? I'd suggest you haven't served your purpose yet. Especially you, Potter. Despite all your father's sucsess in life, he was no great tic mark on the timeline of the world. The Potter name could go down for much more than just hair growth potion."

James struggled to speak against the force on his chest but said, "Is this the part where you get to the point and tell us what you want from us?"

"Gryffindors," Voldemort scoffed. "So impatient. But I'll humor you. The two of you are expecting children that could pose a... complication, to my plans. Obviously we cannot allow that. We've already got one of the little fetuses secure..."

The crude words of Voldemort triggered Frank who sprung from his chair. "If you touch my wife, I swear I'll..." But as he charged, the powerful wizard hit him with a jinx that sent him tumbling.

"You'll do what, Longbottom? You cannot touch me. Your blood traitor wife is in our hands now and you're going to do what we tell you."

"Frank don't," James warned but the young man just bounded up and charged for Voldemort's wand. The wizard stood there, not even lifting his wand. He simply waited and when Frank was close enough, Voldemort lifted his hand and rest it on Frank's face. The color left the young man's skin and as he began to choke. James watched in horror as Frank sunk to his knees, his veins becoming more visible in his neck and forehead as the blood drained stopped flowing. Rudolphus looked on from the doorway as if infatuated and envious of the magic.

"Stop!" James shouted and Voldemort let go.

Frank collapsed on the floor and choked in all the air he could get as Voldemort towered over him. "Look at you two," Voldemort said and shook his head with a tsk tsk. "Turning up your nose at our generosity. We invited you here for a comfortable discussion," He glared at James, "More than what you father used to afford people."

"You've abducted my friend and his wife!" James said. "Did you think we'd skip in here for tea and a friendly chat?!"

Voldemort smirked, "Fine. Then let's start again..." he waived his wand and released the hold on James who quickly pushed himself from his chair and helped Frank up.

Voldemort went on, "Each of you will have a child... one of them, I want."

"Oh is that all?" James asked arrogantly. "Let me think... no!"

"Then your friend Sirius and your wife Alice... die. And if Alice dies..." he turned his head slowly to allow James time to consider the end of the sentence then said, "That only leaves one option for the infant of interest."

"News flash, my kid isn't even due in-" But James caught himself as he realized admitting his child was expected in August would reveal that Frank's child was the more likely target.

"Have something to say, Potter?" Voldemort asked but James stayed silent. "Rudolphus," Voldemort called without taking his eyes off James. "Send word to your brother. Have him start on the Black boy..."

"With pleasure, my Lord," Rudolphus said with a bow then rolled up his sleeve to reveal his mark.

"No!" James shouted and lunged towards him, but Voldemort grabbed him around the neck to stop him. James felt himself lifted from the floor with ease as the cold hand clasped him.

"You can't resist this, Potter. The Seer has determined our fates are intertwined. Perhaps your old man thought he could deny it but you shouldn't be as foolish as him. Join me and the Black boy will be spared."

"I'll never join you freaks," James choked as he clawed at Voldemort's strong hand. The hand was so cold it was burning his very skin like dry ice.

"Let him go!" Frank said, grabbing one of dessert forks from the tea table and sending it soaring towards Voldemort who merely blinked at it and forced the utensil to turn mid-air and shoot back at Frank who fell backward on the floor to avoid it.

"Do you dare defy me boy?" Voldemort hissed then nodded to Rudolphus who tapped his wand to his mark and it began to move.

"I... am not... a boy anymore!" James used all his strength to pry Voldemort's fingers from is throat and he fell onto the floor. He reached up and grabbed the wand in the dark Wizard's hands as Frank leapt up and grabbed Rudolphus in a choke hold.

"Care to dance, Rudy?" Frank said as he fought to get the wand. "Think you can come after my wife and won't have me to answer to, do ya?"

Voldemort pushed James away with a blow that sent his glasses sailing from his face. He let out a chuckle. "Don't want to do this willingly, Potter? Fine. Then let's see what your mind can reveal."

He aimed his wand at the half-blind James who held up his fist as if in a pub brawl, not much else left to defend himself with. Voldemort smiled and started the incantation but stopped mid-syllable as James vanished into thin air.

Lestrange and Frank froze in their grapple for a split second at the spectacle.

Voldemort stood perfectly still, no expression upon his face, just listening...

James stood confused. He was still there and yet through his blurry vision, it appeared nobody could see him anymore. He felt his glasses slide back onto his face, revealing Lily who held a finger to her lips. It was then that James realized they both were encased in the invisibility cloak. He felt a gentle pat on his leg and looked down with a smile at Kip who beamed up at him. The elf took the hands of his friends and carefully walked with them across the room towards Frank.

"It can't be," Voldemort whispered to himself as if he knew the secret behind James' vanishing act. He gazed at the teapot and it began to steam. It puffed out a nearly impossible cloud into the air that drifted through the space until it hit what appeared to be an invisible wall just a few feet shy of Frank. "There you are..."

"Potter run!" Frank shouted at the sight but didn't have time to react as a tiny elf hand in a blue sleeve appeared from nowhere and pulled him from the grasp of Leastrnge.

"No!" Voldemort shouted and aimed at the space between Frank and Lestrange. He sent a blasting charm towards the Longbottom but Frank vanished before his eyes with a pop and the spell hit Lestrange instead, sending the man soaring. Voldemort let out an angry yell as a large gust swarmed the room, trying to locate the others but there was no sign of them. He knew they couldn't get far. He ran to the windows to summon his guards on the grounds when he spotted a slew of his Death Eaters, unconscious in the grass outside.

"They'll awaken soon enough, Tom." Came the voice of Albus Dumbledore.

Voldemort didn't seem startled, nor did he even turn around to face the man. All he said was, "The boy has one of the hallows..."

"Someone with possession of such an item can escape death easily," Dumbledore replied. "Perhaps you should leave him alone. Turn your attentions elsewhere... or stop this altogether."

Voldemort now turned, hoping to startled the man with his harsh new features, but Dumbledore had casually taken a seat at the table and was helping himself to a scone.

"Come now, Tom. Did you think I'd let the boys sit in peril?"

"You usually didn't bat an eye at your students in peril, Dumbledore." Voldemort hissed.

Dumbledore looked at the dark wizard, genuinely looking into his eyes as if searching for the soul that was once there. "You couldn't be more wrong, Tom. You couldn't be more wrong."

Voldemort let out an angry shout and aimed at Dumbledore only for him to apparate away, leaving Voldemort somewhat unsettled as he realized Dumbledore had broken down the wards on the house. He blasted at the empty chair anyhow, leaving nothing but some pillow feathers in the air as it imploded.

Rudolphus groaned as he awoke, "Ugh... what happened," he asked and plucked some of the feathers from his shirt.

"They got away, you fool..." Voldemort hissed but kept his eyes where Dumbledore had sat only seconds prior.

"My Lord!" Rudolphus gasped quickly and stayed down on the floor in a kneel. "Forgive me! I don't know how this happened."

"Be silent, Lestrange!" He snapped. "It's my own fault for entrusting a task to you instead of someone like your wife. Once more, proof that brawn will always loose over skill each day."

"Please, my Lord. I'll make this up to you," Rudolphus said as he cowered.

"Yes you will, Lestrange... on your life, you will."

Back in Knockturn Alley...

Peter paced in his hiding spot nervously as he waited in the north alleyway of Knockturn Alley, jumping at every sound. He'd narrowly escaped Bellatrix and felt an internal conflict as he reflected on the events of the evening.

Peter halted as he felt the grasp of a strong hand upon his shoulder, ripping him around so quickly his head spun. Towering before him was Max Forrestor.

"You!" Peter squeaked.

"Out for a midnight stroll are we?" Max sneered.

"Stay back!" Peter gave his wand pathetic aim.

"Haven't we been here before, Pettigrew?" Max asked, "Last time, I let you go."

"Yes, and you sent away Tabitha as a result!"

"You saved her, Peter. While I'm sure it was hard to say goodby, you pulled her away from harm and she's safe and sound now."

"You tried to tell everyone she was the Guardian!"

"Isn't she?" He said as he acted confused.

"No, of course she isn't."

"And how would you know that?"

"Because I am!" He shouted. Even as he heard it escape his lips, he didn't fully believe it. He thought of Tom Riddle's promise that by becoming the Guardian, he could still save his friends just as Max had said he'd already saved Tabitha.

"No," Max shook his head and feigned disappointment. "I've been assured the Guardian would be a half-blood. So I guess you're right about it not being Tabitha but that would take you out of the running as well." He turned and began walking away from Peter. "Besides, Mr. Crabbe told me of your role in your father's death. Such a foolish child could never be the Guardian..."

But as Max moved further away, a jinx struck some of the stacked cauldrons and crates beside him, tumbling in front of him onto the street and blocking his path. When he looked back, impressed, he saw Peter standing tall and aiming his wand.

"Do not belittle me," Peter's demeanor had shifted, as if Max turning his back to him had triggered something. "I'm the half-blood he's looking for! I'm the Guardian because you-know-who himself told me so! I'll show my friends what the right path is. I'll save everyone! I'll end this war!"

Max held up his hands and said, "I stand corrected. But then do you really think your friends would listen to someone like you? Even that snob, Sirius?"

Peter darkened at the name as the memory of Sirius' home was fresh in his mind, "He's my concern. Not yours."

Max moved back to Peter and examined him a long while as he pondered a moment before saying, "Then I'll help you, Pettigrew."

"No!" Peter stepped back as some timidity returned. "I don't want your help. I don't trust you."

"You can trust me Peter."

"Prove it!" Peter snapped.

Max looked conflicted as the gears turned in his head. Finally, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an ancient wand with Celtic carvings. Peter's eyes locked on it as Max held it out to him.

"Is... Is that," Peter stammered.

"Delaney's wand. I'll entrust it to you for a price."

"What do you want?"

"Your trust, Peter. I know you'd never turn this over to her. The vow won't allow her to use magic and you'd be putting her life at risk. But you can keep it safe."

"You could always lift it, you know," Peter scowled.

"Not exactly how unbreakable vows work kid," he sighed. "I give you this so you know that I trust you to do your task as a Guardian... for everyone." Peter reached for the wand but Max pulled it back. "And in return, we have a little chat regarding your role in this war."

"Fine fine, just give it to me!" He desperately said.

Max smirked and passed the wand over to him. Peter cradled it in his hand with a possessive smile.

"Meet with me and Mr. Crabbe when you can get away without being noticed. I'll make all the worry about this prophecy go away, Peter. I swear."

Peter glanced up at him. "You're friends with Mr. Crabbe? I thought you work with Fenrir Greyback."

"Silly, Peter," Max scoffed. "I use Greyback to my own advantage. It's nice to have some muscle when I need it but the beast is just a means to an end. It's people like you and me and Mr. Crabbe, people who make names for themselves, that will be the real victors of this war."

They heard a whistle up the way, the signal from Remus, and Peter looked back towards Max with panic.

"Don't worry, Peter," Max whispered. "I'll take care of everything." He extended his hand.

Peter looked at it a moment as he recalled the words of his father.

'Peter, If you want to be successful then you have to find the strongest person in the room and be their mate. That way they can protect you from harm if you're not willing to throw a few punches yourself. In order to save yourself a beating, throw the first punch... or befriend the bully.'

Peter had always thought the lads were the strongest, but looking at Tabitha's wand reminded him how weak Remus allowed himself to become over a girl. He watched James struggle with his pride. He witness the McKinnon family tear themselves apart. Now he realized the one out of all of them he considered the most secure, Sirius, was just a spoiled brat who's family had cost Peter everything. Tom Riddle had approach Peter with no taunting or teasing, no belittling. He offered him a chance to have power and a future. Max now gave him a chance to call the shots and perhaps be the hero that could save this whole war. Perhaps Dumbledore was wrong about everything. Perhaps Mr. Crabbe was right when he said there isn't good or evil, no right or wrong, only power and those who can best wield it.

"Well, Guardian?" Max asked anxiously. "What's it to be?"

Peter beamed at his new nickname, and shoved his hand into Max's. Something felt so right about it as he shook it, then tucked Tabitha's wand in his pocket and scrambled away to find the boys.

Max stepped back into the shadows and chuckled to himself before nearly crashing into the chest of Fenrir Greyback.

"Fen!" Max choked startled, "How long have you been standing there? What's with your face?"

"Have a nice chat?" Fenrir asked, his face still badly beaten by Remus but showing no signs of pain. He just kept a cold stare on Max.

"How much did you hear?" Max asked.

"Nothing. Just walked up and spotted the little pest with Delaney's wand."

"Oh trust me, Fenrir," Max sighed in relief. "I've got a plan." Max pat Greyback on the arm then strut up the pathway as Greyback looked on.

The tall werewolf's expression darkened as Max walked away and he said to himself, "So do I, Maxy... so do I."

Meanwhile at Hogsmede...

Aberforth Dumbledore stood guard outside his empty pub, watching the streets carefully as the sun rose. In the upper meeting room, Lily, James, Kip and Frank arrived in the center of the crowded room where the McKinnons waited with Gideon and Madeye.

"You crazy woman!" James said, ignoring the onlookers and caressing his wife's face in his hands. "You could have bloody died. You brought our whole family under the wand of Voldemort! I could kill you myself if I wasn't so thrilled to be holding you. You wonderful, idiotic, beautiful, crazy-" He stopped when Lily grabbed him and planted a kiss on his lips.

When she pulled away she said, "It wouldn't have happened without Kip. Only him and Dumbledore could get past the wards."

"Never underestimates a house-elf's magic," Kip said proudly and hugged James around the legs, "Masters Potters could have died!"

"It was still risky," James said as he pat Kip's head. "For all you know Kip may have been unable to apparate out."

"I knew if he could get in then he could get us out. I couldn't let you just sit in there in danger."

"How did you find out where I was?" James asked

"I should probably answer that later, because I'm sure there will be a lecture paired with it," she said and quickly followed up, "For now, I just want to be grateful we're together."

"And Sirius?" James said quickly.

"They're going after him now. Marlene gave Peter directions," she nodded to the witch who seemed to be slightly holding her breath as she waited for Marvin and Sirius' return.

"What about Alice?" Frank asked quickly.

"Frank, I'm sorry. I don't know where-" But even as she said it, the door creaked open and Alice shakily stepped inside.

Her voice trembled as she said, "Good to see our home base isn't compromised." She attempted to keep a brave face and her composure as her Auror training required but it all crashed down at the sight of her husband when she shakily said, "Franklin?"

"Alice!" He elbowed his way past the others and sprinted towards his wife.

She was nearly in tears when he reached her and fell into his arms. "I'm ok."

Frank looked over her, quickly. He held her face in her hands that trembled slightly. Alice just reached up and held each of them as he asked, "Are you ok?"

Alice and Frank had always been rocks for one another, but in this moment they had nothing left to give as Alice shook her head then fell forward into his chest and embrace. "It's Mary," she wept.

"Where is she?"

"Mulciber commanded her to reveal the guardian," Alice choked out and everyone else silenced to listen. "He said the next words from her mouth had better be the Guardian's name and she..."

"What?" Frank said as he stroked her head softly. "What did she say?"

"She didn't do it... and the vow took her."

"What?" Frank gasped and room that already was silent now fell still.

"It was horrid... the flame of the vow came back to life on both of them. It vanished from Mulciber and he passed out. But on Mary... it was like a vicious snake. It coiled up her arm, wrapped around her neck. It choked the life out of her and burned her flesh on her neck, her arms... her... her face." She collapsed into Frank's arms and began to sob.

"Longbottom," Alastor whispered and motioned to one of the seats. Frank helped his wife towards one and she took a seat.

"Alice?" Gideon anxiously walked towards her and kneeled beside her. "I'm so so sorry. I just... I have to know..."

She just reached for his hand and grabbed it tightly, knowing his question. "Fabian arrived as Mulciber fainted. Mary's Patronus lead him to us. He got there right as it happened... And he made me leave. He said he didn't want me to watch what he was about to do to Mulciber."

With that Gideon stood and marched to the door, ripping it open and racing down the hall towards the steps.

"Gideon," Angus called anxiously and followed. "Wait."

"He's going to kill Mulciber. I can't let him tear his soul up in anger. He will never forgive himself."

"Let Madeye go," Angus called. "The Aurors can go with him just in case. I don't want you to get hurt."

"So now you care for my welfare?" Gideon whirled around, the heartbreak for so many, Mary, The Bones, his brother, pushing him over the edge. "You've done nothing but push me away and when I finally try to go help someone you pull me back in like a child and I don't understand why. You act ashamed of me. You ignore me. You want nothing to do with me until now?"

"That isn't true," Angus defended.

"Then what is true? Why have you been shutting me out? Why do you shut everyone out? What are you so bloody afraid of?"

"Of loosing all of you!" Angus shouted and grabbed Gideon by the shoulders. "I can't lose you. I can't lose everyone I love, Gideon. Not Marleen, or Marv... not you. You've seen what's happened to everyone that's gotten involved in love and it's torn them apart when they lose someone. I have no more strength to loose anyone. You always did say I like to control the narrative... I guess I just want to get the loss part over-with on my own terms."

"So you push people away to protect all of us." Gideon reached up and rest his hand on Angus cheek. "You're so wrong, though, Angus. Love doesn't tear us apart. Love has saved us all time and time again. Your father's love saved you two years ago. Lily's love saved Potter tonight. Mary's love for all of us might have saved us more than we know. Don't run from the one thing that always wins in the end."

"I'm so sorry, Gideon." Angus whispered, "I never meant to push you away. I love... I love you."

Gideon smiled, relieved to finally hear him and replied, "I love you too, Ang. I'll come back to you, I swear."

Angus reached up and took Gideons hand from his cheek, giving it a squeeze. He then leaned forward and gave him a final kiss before saying, "Go on," and Gideon ran from the pub.

Angus stayed in the hall alone for a long while, his hands in his pockets, as he tried to collect himself. He heard the pub door open downstairs and waited anxiously until the four latecomers appeared in the dining hall below. Angus leaned over the railing and shouted. "Marv!"

Remus pushed ahead, practically sprinted up the steps and said, "James? Longbottom?"

"They're here. They're safe," Angus replied and pat Remus on the back as he passed to the room. He embraced Marvin once he passed as well. When he looked back, Sirius was approaching.

"He's ok then?" Sirius asked, almost afraid to move forward without confirmation.

"Potter's just fine, Black."

Sirius sighed in relief and attempted to pass to see for himself when Angus grabbed him by the arm and said, "You... saved my sister tonight."

"She saved herself," Sirius shrugged.

"She told me what you said to her. You inspired her to at least try when she was feeling defeated. She said you risked your own life for hers."

"Well, I kind of owed her one," Sirius shrugged.

"You love her," Angus muttered and Sirius stiffened, averting his eyes and Angus added, "You always have. And you've never stopped. My threat made no difference last year, did it? You would have talked her out of moving in with you either way... that's why you've been angry. Because you've only just recently realized that yourself, too, haven't you?" Sirius just pulled his arm away and tried to move forward but Angus turned to him and said, "I'm learning not to push people away in order to protect them from heartbreak, Black. Maybe it's a lesson you should take as well."

"Stay out of my business, McKinnon," Sirius whispered over his shoulder.

"You're right. It's not my business... never was. But I do at least owe you an apology," he extended his hand and Sirius glanced down at it. "Truly, Black. Even if my words made no difference that night, it wasn't my place. You're owed my apologies... and my thanks for getting her home tonight."

Sirius finally looked Angus in the eye and shook his hand, as one step towards amends was taken. Angus winced at the rope burns on Sirius' wrist and pulled his hand away to allow him to continue towards the room and reunite with the others. He glanced back and jumped slightly when he realized Peter was still standing there and had witness the whole encounter. The boy wasn't looking at Angus though, but coldly staring at Sirius as he followed him towards the back room.

"Ok there, Wormtail?" Angus called.

Peter halted, turning slowly and facing Angus with a stern gaze. "Never... call me that again."

With those words the boy left Angus in the hall. He looked in the meeting room at the defeated Order. Everyone so heartbroken as they embraced. Lily carefully examined Remus' knuckles that were bloody and bruised. Marlene comforted her brother as she shared news of Mary. Frank held his heartbroken wife and James... James looked the most broken of all. He held Sirius in a tight embrace, clearly relieved to see him alive then started to relay the events of the night, keeping his voice low so only Sirius could hear the details of the encounter at Regulus Black's home. It was in that moment, Peter realized that James had yet to glance at the door. The likely assumption was that Remus had already shared the safe arrival of Peter with the others, but the small boy refused to acknowledge that option. Instead he rested in his assumption that they simply didn't care.

Peter pondered not only the events of the evening, but every word every spoken to him, encouraging him down a path he'd alway been so afraid to take...

You have power, Peter. Never let anyone take that power and control away from you.

You were left behind in the shadows too long, Peter. Now you see the man you can be, the one the boy didn't get to be.

And from the shadows a new life will begin... a new life... a new life...

You're not a nobody Peter. 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.