For you, my brightest star

21/06/1979

POV - Harry Potter

“The previous one was better suited as per my requirements, Miss Victoria. That one has good ventilation . My family will like the open space and lights of that one.” He tells the real estate agent.

Harry was in a good mood today. What with having finalised a house that will act as the safehouse and headquarters for the four of them while working on the Horcruxes.

Charlus had suggested Harry to make arrangements so that he can carry on his mission with the other three without much difficulty as he had to deal in his past/future life during Horcrux hunt. Initially Harry was hesitant at buying his place, but then Charlus reminded him that Potter vaults are overflowing with galleons and it’s not like this money will go waste, he said. As for when the war is over, he could sell the place and return the money.

Harry liked the idea, as the camping trip from hell was quite depressing if he was being honest. He felt silly for not having come up with the idea last time, as he was the sole owner of all those heaps of money in the Potter vaults at the time. But better late than never.

And what better way than to hide in the plain sight, in muggle world. After all their population is so big as compared to wizarding community that Harry was sure that even if a self-respecting death eater came to venture in the muggle world to search for their targets, they would find themselves incapable of doing so.

Charlus, Dorea and Kayden have repeatedly reminded him that they are also willing to help him with anything he needs. And Harry is willing to take them on their offer, should the need arise. As of now he will discuss it with the other three but he will not keep his head buried in the sand this time. That is to stay that he will take any helping hand there is.

Also, the four of them needed a space which is safe and secure to perform the ritual, then share each other’s stories and secrets. Then to plan for searching remaining horcruxes and complete their mission.

The other three have agreed that Harry should run errant task before they leave school and one such task was this. Finalising a place to set up as their headquarters/ safehouse.

Harry is getting the feeling that he had gone quite lax. But the last year of his life on horcrux hunt and all those years when he was never able to feel properly safe and content. Whether it being due to Voldemort in his wraith form or Chamber of secrets fiasco or a mass murder after him and running for life from a werewolf or Triwizard tournament or an entire year filled with severe headaches and teenage hormones or grieving his godfather or witnessing his surly teacher who was a death eater turn order member kill Dumbledore without even blinking an eye.

His life has always been too much or nothing. Always living on edge. Always fearing or hiding or fighting.

Here, in this time, although war is going on but still, it feels like it cannot touch him. Harry has never felt like this. This invincible. And it is not because he is not scared of death or pain or suffering after facing Death himself. Or because of Magic’s mark.

But simply because of his new found family. They made him feel protected in a way he had never been able to feel before.

So, yes he is being a little slow in achieving his task but he is neither delusional in thinking that he alone can win this war, nor is he going to push this process unnecessarily fast just because he has a saving people complex. He will have to be careful. His being here can turn into a disaster from the blessing it is now within snap of a finger. Just one wrong decision and things will take a whole lot darker turn.

Though he is content in knowing that atleast this time around people know that the current dark lord has Horcruxes. Regulus, Amelia, Pandora, Dorea, Charlus, Kayden. 6 other people. And he has made arrangements to make sure that if all of them are unable to change the tides of this war then this information atleast reach in capable hands so that other people can carry this task.

Anyways the second big thing looming over their heads was the dark mark on Black’s forearm. They were not sure whether it would be better if Black continued his death eater business or not.

Privately, Harry wanted to take a leaf out of Black’s own book and plant a fake scenario where Regulus dies. When he shared it, Regulus seemed reluctant. Harry didn’t know why but that issue remained hanging.

After his discussion with Dorea, Harry is pretty sure that if so many intelligent witches and wizards put their heads together, they could dismantle the mark and Regulus will be free, but at the end of the day it was Black’s choice and Harry refrained from giving suggestions because he doesn’t know why Black became a death eater in the first place when as per Dorea, the lord of their houses wanted their new heir to be neutral.

And Harry had to remember Dorea’s theory that Bellatrix had to become a death eater because Voldemort wanted a Black in his rank and she stepped up in Regulus’s role. He would rather, Regulus Black play the role of a reluctant death eater rather than have the Bellatrix Lestrange joining the arena.

But Harry had told Black that he better decide what is that he wants till the end of the school so that they could take action accordingly.

Nevertheless, he had finalised a place. The agent, Victoria wanted him to see all places before finalising but he knew that his heart has already selected the last place that she had shown to him, he was just humouring her with this one.

The tall woman informs him that she will prepare the documents and send him, Harry hands her a cheque for initial payment and gave her the fake identity proof. One can never be too careful and who knows which people are keeping eyes where.

She leaves, content at having made the deal.

Harry also decides to search for a quiet corner to apparate but then he sees out of the corner of his eyes, a man running and appearing slightly panicked. And behind him he could see some shimmering figures also following the first guy in the back alley.

This piqued his interest because those two people were definitely under disillusionment charm. He decides to satisfy his curiosity of what these magical people are here in one the most muggle location and help the poor guy if need be.

He stealthily followed them to see what this commotion is all about.

He could tell that they had cast a muggle repellent charm but no other ward was there.

“Well, hello there Pettigrew.” Said the first man with a smile gracing his features as if it is all a joke to him. Harry could not recognise him. So, most probably he had died in the first war.

But the one Harry could also not recognise by looks was Pettigrew. If this is the same Pettigrew that he knows, that is. Because gone was the almost bald, and too overweight man. This man had a medium built figure and height around 5’6” and dressed in casual muggle shirt and trousers. He has sandy blond hair and spring blue eye colour, which were not at all watery. His teeth also seemed to be in decent shape and not bucked out from years spent as a rodent.

All in all, the man lying helplessly on the street was a decent looking one. Though Harry knew he was the same Peter Pettigrew he had spent so many years hating. But his put together appearance makes it a little difficult to summon the same level of disgust and anger.

He was not the cowering man that Harry had met in the shack in his third year, this man despite being bound, wandless and on the mercy of two death eaters is still looking at them fiercely and not appearing cooperating at all.

Harry in all his years had thought that how could his dad and godfather had allowed Wormtail to be their friend let alone entrusted him to be the secret keeper but looking at this man who is trying to appear nonchalant and uncaring and not at all threatened, Harry can see that maybe there was a reason that he was one fourth of the legendry marauders. This guy didn’t seem like a tag along. He looked like someone who could pull his own weight in the group.

Harry comes out of his musings as the second death eater, who Harry recognises as Bellatrix’s husband’s younger brother, threatens Wormtail with all forms of torture to his person and on his mother, girlfriend and his friends.

Harry’s eyes widens and his breath catches as his mind comes to the only reasonable answer it comes with as to what is actually happening here. So, this is how Wormtail was trapped to become a lackey of Voldemort.

Seems fitting, Harry supposes. It is not like one day Peter started hating all muggles and muggleborns. No, his reason for joining the wrong side was to be on the winning side. But Harry had thought that wish to be on winning side was for Pettigrew’s personal wish to come out of this war unscathed and not because he thought it to be some misguided attempt in saving his loved ones.

But the opposing side will obviously loose if the other side can use all sort of unforgivables and dark spell aimed to hurt you and your loved ones. So, simply it is only a matter of time before Wormtail breaks. Because any sane person will choose their loved ones before the society in general and nameless, faceless muggles and muggleborns.

Just like Mr. Lovegood had called death eaters on Harry and his friends because he wanted to save his daughter. His actions were wrong but the intent behind them was not malicious or him wishing to bring people harm but simply to protect his daughter, Luna. His only family. Even if that cost them the entire war. The guy just wanted his daughter back. And he would do anything for that.

“Now now Rabastan, no need to lay it heavily. Pettigrew is of course an intelligent man. He will be smart in selecting the people he really wants to keep in his life. I mean I sure will always choose my family and loved ones before fighting for people whom I never met once in my life. Won’t you do the same hmm Peter?” The first death eater says whose name Harry doesn’t know. He talks as if him and Peter are friends.

Pettigrew just glares and doesn’t respond, just turns his head away and says in a controlled voice, “Just get this over with. I am not going to do anything for you, you might as well kill me now. I will die before doing your bidding.”

This earns him a hex from the younger Lestrange brother. A knee reversal Hex. Now the portion below his thigh is bended awkwardly in the other direction. Pettigrew’s screams but the death eater casts a silencing charm so that the muggles don’t get suspicious.

Harry is surprised with courage the man is showing despite his current predicament. He will give the man credit, Wormtail is not so gone case at this point of time after all.

Again, it is the first death eater who speaks and reminds their target that they will not let him die so easily. His death will be slow and painful after each and every one he loves is killed after gruesome torture. The guy even goes as far as to tell in detail about his torture techniques.

Harry knows what these two are doing. One is doing the intimidating and the second is showcasing as the voice of the reason. He could see this plan of theirs working. But he still wants to see where does it goes. Will Pettigrew agree to become the mole so that this will all end and bring temporary protection to his people or will he resist.

Harry can understand where Peter is coming from and this Peter is not the man who is the reason for many deaths in the order of the Phoenix including his own parents. This man is not the reason his godfather had been imprisoned in a place where no human should be kept. A living Hell. A dozen years of suffering which broke him each day. A life in comparison of which death would have seemed merciful.

This Peter is not the reason that Harry had to live with his magic hating relative. That he was abused in a place which was supposed to be his home. This Wormtail is not the one who killed Cedric Diggory as if it means nothing. This Peter was not the cowering man who performed a ritual to bring back Voldemort. This is not the man who died at his own hands.

Death had told Harry that good people do wrong things for the right reasons. And Harry can see how the guy’s insecurities and ability to love are used against him.

There is no coming out as a winner in a situation like this. Because denying these death eater means deaths and pain and suffering and agreeing to them means agreeing to serving a monster who took away his choice in the matter and ultimate death and suffering of the people with whom he works to fight Him.

And this got Harry into thinking about how many death eaters were coerced this way through terror, torture or blackmail.

It is not like these purebloods are not bigots or that they do not look down on people who they consider their inferior but it is not like for all of them the solution is murder and pain and suffering. And why would proud purebloods like the Blacks or the Malfoys would ever bow to anyone. They think they are the best. They do not cower among even their own people i.e., the other purebloods then why a new person became their subject of devotion is a question worth asking.

Harry is thankful that he never had to choose between his own moral and his loved ones because he doesn’t know if he would have done any better than Wormtail. He is not ashamed to agree to that atleast in the recess of his own mind.

His thoughts are disrupted by an ear-piercing scream and there is Wormtail thrashing violently on the street with blood dripping out of his nose and his body convulsing. Cruciatus curse!

Harry can no longer be a bystander to this barbarity.

He takes out his wand in his hand.

“Stop.” He commands approaching the two death eaters. His wand hand vibrating from all the suppressed magic. It has been one and a half months since he had been in a battle. But he is still a war soldier.

He thought that he will have to fight his way with these two death eaters to reach to Pettigrew, after all who knows how long will it take before Wormtail gives in and Harry would like to stop this before Order is infiltrated with a mole.

But who knows what that crazy snake face would do if he did not get his hands on Wormtail. Will he keep coming back for Wormtail like a crazy, obsessed lover or will he find another target? And if so then what will Harry do, atleast at this point he knows that Peter became the spy but any action from here onwards will bring about ripples of changes.

But Harry cannot in good conscience let the torture go on, on his watch. He is not here to play God and decide who to save and whom to let suffer. He had decided to help everyone, muggle and magical and creature. 

The death eaters seem to be accessing him as if deciding whether he is a real trouble because Wormtail is almost incapacitated with how shallowly he is breathing and if they fought then it will be two against one.

So, it was quite shocking to see the first death eater’s eyes widen and he lowers his wand a little. And when Lestrange goes on to throw a curse at Harry, the same death eater stops him which angers the guy.

“What the fuck, Rosier!” Lestrange fumes.

The first death eater, Rosier, just points at Harry. Now, Harry does not know what the big deal is. If it was his future/ past he would have thought they had recognised him as the boy who lived but why they are staring at him like this in 1979 is a mystery to him.

Harry looks down on himself and yes. He forgot that his shirt sleeves are rolled up and with the glamour he wore during his visit with the real estate agent removed, Mother magic’s tattoo is visible.

Harry had never thought that death eaters will stop fighting after seeing it on him. He thought the people on the good side or neutral will be more concerned with adhering to this champion of the magic business. But he should have known that most death eaters are from the oldest traditional pureblood families and of course they will stop and consider it.

“What do you want?” Asks the death eater whose name now Harry knows is Rosier.

“Leave him.” Harry replies curtly. What he really wants do is to beat the pulp out of these two goons but he will have to play his cards safe.

But the problem is that Harry had never thought that Voldemort’s people will find out about his special tattoo. Knowing Riddle, the hoarder of all things shiny and important, he will want Harry to be brought to him. And that is something Harry had neither thought himself or discussed with his new family and friends.

So, to be on safer side he added in a commanding voice, “and you will not talk about this incidence with anybody.” For good measure.

Now, it’s not like he can obliviate them, he knows that with Wormtail lying behind them, he is obviously at disadvantage so the only thing he can do if he cannot fight them is to make them fear his power as one of the champions of Magic.

Rosier seems to be wanting to do as Harry has asked but Lestrange is as cruel as Harry remembers from his time, just less deranged as he is not an Azkaban escapee as of now.

So, Harry takes a gamble and decides to target this brute but once again he is in for a surprise because Rosier is quick, he takes hold of his partner’s arm and apparate them before Harry could do much damage on Lestrange’s person and make sure that these two would not blabber about his tattoo to their fellow murderers and their boss.

But Rosier chose to help him because of Magic’s tattoo. He chose to listen to him and Harry is relatively assured that Voldemort will not know about his unique tattoo for a little longer.

Harry approaches Pettigrew to quickly get out of this place, one can never be too sure when dealing with death eaters. A year on hiding has given Harry sufficient paranoia. What if they come back after deciding that following their master’s order is more important after all.

Wormtail is barely conscious and blinking his eyes rapidly as if willing himself to be alert. He is looking at Harry with confusion. Must be thinking why two death eaters are just listening to a random guy and not killing him.

"Prongs?" He slurs out. And then coughs his lungs. That single sentence has taken up too much of his energy. 

There beside him is a bouquet of flowers. Harry picks them up knowing that most probably they belonged to Wormtail because death eaters do not carry flowers with them. Not even those whose name is Rosier. He casts a refreshing charm on them and then shrinks it before carefully pocketing into the front pocket of his shirt. The guy had shown great bravery today. This is the least he could do for him.

He cast a feather light charm on him and picks him up and apparates to Potter Manor.

Harry would have never thought two months ago that he will be saving the life of Peter Pettigrew but such is his life. But Harry will definitely make sure that all of Peter’s friends and family members know that Pettigrew is being courted by death eaters to be their spy. Just to be safe. If people know about this incidence, then they will learn to be more cautious with this man.

Also, Harry thinks that these young people who are part of Dumbledore’s group should know what type of enemy they are fighting. That this is not a child’s play. Maybe some people will decide to call it quits and stay as far away from both Dumbledore and Voldemort. The least this will do will make them see that how far their enemy is ready to go to win this war. That anyone else could also have been in Pettigrew’s place.

Also, Pettigrew’s own friends and family members should be warned to the imminent threat on their person.

Harry couldn’t help but think about what had happened in the original timeline. Did Wormtail gave up today itself or was he made to agree due to someone’s death. Because his girlfriend Dorcas Meadows was personally killed by Voldemort himself.

The Mackinnon family was totally wiped. Was it because of Wormtail turning a spy or was it a show of how no one is safe from this war and an act to make Pettigrew see reason.

But he will make sure that James, Sirius, Lily, Remus, Dorcas and Marlene and all such other order members will realise that they are just pawns in a big game of chess where their enemy is unbeatable and their leader is indifferent to sacrifices.

Harry takes Wormtail to a guest bedroom on the fourth floor of the manor and he calls for Micky, the kind hearted house elf of the Potter Manor, to bring nerve damage potion from Dorea’s storage.

He is thankful to all the time he had spent on reading books on healing during his free time in tent in the last year. He is capable of treating damage from duelling.

He could have taken Wormtail to Mungo’s but he doesn’t want to bring more attention on himself and Wormtail than it already is after today’s events. And surely Voldemort will have his people placed in the wizarding hospital to keep an ear on the ongoings for him.

He performs scourgify to clean up the blood, dirt and spit and gently then lays him on the bed. Harry reverses the Knee reversing hex, then begins to work on the broken bones of the leg. Then he feeds him a nerve damage potion, pepper up potion and blood replenishing potion and lastly pain potion.

Harry takes out the bouquet from his pockets and enlarges it back to its original size and places it on the bed side table.

Wormtail is already asleep from the effects of potion and all the pain his body has felt earlier.

Harry tells Micky to inform him when the guy wakes up and leaves from the room.

He goes back to his own room on the second floor and sits on his bed. 

He is suddenly feeling too much drained and overwhelmed from the day which is not yet over.

Harry can’t believe that he had helped a man who has been the reason for most of the pain and suffering in his life in some other timeline. His fingers are shaking badly even though he has not fought with anyone. He had dealt with worse things from young age but why this is too much for him, he cannot begin to fathom.

What to think now. The man he had hated with all his might had been pressurised and threatened to become that person. Lupin was right when he told Harry that this Wormtail is not that man Harry had met.

This man has a life, a job, a family, a girlfriend, friends. He has honour.

That man was just a husk, wearing the skin of this man.

Harry collects parchments from his desk and sets out to write a letter to James and then calls for Kayden’s personal house elf, Jerry, who he is allowed to ask for help if Micky is busy.

Dorea has told that a certain protocol has to be followed as per pureblood customs and that Harry should begin using them. One such rule is to always address people properly and articulately, befitting their status.

Harry being brought up in muggle world in 1980s- 90s and being close to the only pureblood family which was totally lax when it came to customs, thought that it was rather odd request. But he did not want to upset the woman who has been caring for Harry since the beginning. Harry for the first time felt the need to impress an adult. Because this is the first time, he has parental figures other than having his godfather of course but Sirius’s main concern was Harry’s safety and not his marks or teaching him etiquettes. So, he will try to follow her orders.

But he has not got any training in pureblood etiquettes yet. So, he will take the help of Jerry.

Harry still finds it quite amazing that elves in the Potter household are understanding when asked not to refer them as master or sir. Because Harry finds that he was uncomfortable when Dobby and Kreacher used to call him that.

What is even more amazing is that here house elves are as knowledgeable as the witch and wizards residing in the manor. They were all educated and well fed and dressed. They were like any other human employee.

So, he asked Jerry to help him with the letter.

To Heir Potter,

I am not sure if you have heard about me. My name is Harry Potter. I am the grandson of your aunt Dorea and uncle Charlus. I have recently contacted them and have been living with them since. I believe you and your friend were due for a dinner with my grandparents this evening.

I believe this will come as a surprise to you. I have got some news concerning a friend of yours. I believe his name is Mr. Peter Pettigrew. I happened upon a scene this evening in muggle world when I was visiting Dalston area. Some people wearing black robes were trying to threaten him and also causing him physical harm.

As of now he is in better health. I was able to intervene before any permanent or lasting harm could be done and took him with me to provide him with healing assistance.

There is nothing to worry about Mr. Pettigrew right now. He is resting in a guest room of the manor. I just thought to inform you in case someone was anxious upon not knowing his whereabouts. I believe that you will inform his family and any other concerned person about this situation. I assure you he will be taken care of here at the manor.

Kayden has talked a lot about you. Eager to meet you.

Harry Potter.

Harry put the letter in an envelope and writes URGENT in bold capital letters on the top of it.

Harry would have asked Jerry or Mickey to deliver the letter but the both of them are busy at the moment. Likely preparing for the dinner and their other responsibilities. So, he sends it with Magnus, the new black majestic owl that Dorea had gifted him when he shifted here ay Potter manor. With any luck the owl will reach its destination within an hour or two. Harry hopes that no one is too anxious for Pettigrew’s whereabouts till then.

Harry believes that James will inform anyone who is concerned about Wormtail’s wellbeing that he is safe.

James and Sirius were going to visit today for dinner. But now he thinks that they will arrive early because of their friend and chances are that they may bring other people with them after knowing that their friend was injured.

So he asks Jerry to inform Dorea of the situation so that she knows that they are housing a guest at the moment and to expect for some extra guests.

He will apologise to her later for bringing someone into their home without her permission.

He then dramatically lays on the bed and decides to take a nap for few minutes.

But no such luck.

There is a knock on his door, then without waiting for his reply Kayden walks in. He has a shit eating grin on his face.

Without any preamble he says, “I want you to meet someone.”

“Okaaayyy.” Harry says not understanding his pseudo brother’s excitement.

“Come on she is in my room. Mum and dad have already met her a while ago. Now that you are properly settled, I wanted you to meet her.”

“Meet whom.?”

But Kade is already out of the room and moving in towards his own bedroom without even looking back to check whether Harry is coming or not.

There in the room is a young woman standing by the window with her back turned towards them.

When they enter, she turns back and Harry’s eyes widen because he thinks he has seen her. She is Tracey Davis’s mother. Tracey was a classmate of his in Slytherin house. He saw her at the Kings cross station when she was there to pick up or drop her daughter to school.

“Emily, meet my nephew, Harry Potter. Harry, this is Emily Davis. We are seeing each other.” Kayden says with a genuine smile on his face.

The truth about Harry’s real past is only known to the family members so to everyone else he is the son of Kayden’s deceased brother, Mason’s long-lost son.

Harry shakes Emily’s hands. Though if Dorea were here, she would chastise him for greeting a young lady like this but Emily doesn’t seem to be that much bothered by him not kissing her knuckles as is formal for purebloods while greeting. But Harry is sure that Kade had already told Emily about his muggle upbringings so she would not have expected him to greet him in any other way.

Kade had told Harry that he was in an informal courtship with someone. But he didn’t know she was Tracey Davis’s mum.

And what is even more surprising is that Tracey and Emily both have Davis as surname. So, who exactly was Tracey’s father in his past life.

Tracey’s birthday was somewhere in the month of May 1980 and if Kade is courting Emily now in June end of 1979 so that could mean only either of the two things.

First that Kade along with Dorea and Charlus were killed and she got married to someone else soon after. Or second that Tracey was Kayden and Emily’s daughter and Emily gave her own surname to Tracey after Kayden’s death.

Looking at the couple, Harry is inclined to believe that second option is the right one. Because the two are so much in love that there is no way that she would move on and marry some other guy so early if Kayden had been killed. Also, if she had married someone else than that guy’s surname would have been given to their daughter and thirdly, Tracey did look a little like Kayden. It is nothing explicit because she was a fine mix of both her parents but she had the same grey eyes that Kayden had inherited from Dorea while Emily’s eyes are blue.

Wow. Harry had a cousin his whole life, however distant and he never knew.

“So, finally I meet you, miss Davis. Kade had been quite secretive about his girlfriend all this time. Said that I will have to meet you, he won’t be telling me who you are.”

Emily laughs and playfully hits Kayden in the chest, “So, you didn’t want to tell your nephew about me. Why, don’t you love me?” She asks mockingly.

“Ems, I wanted you to meet and know how amazing you two are for your own eyes. I didn’t want to spoil that by giving either of you much hint about the other one.” Kade replies earnestly.

Harry rolls his eyes at the love sick couple.

Kade calls Jerry to bring in some light snacks and tea. Harry and Emily talk to each other with Kade interfering with his own titbits. Apparently, Emily studied at Hogwarts, Ravenclaw house. Graduated 6 years ago and is now managing the Davis business along with her father while her elder sister, Katheryn is already married to James Clearwater and have a lovely daughter, three-year-old- Penelope Clearwater while her twin brother Christian Davis is a famous keeper for Appleby Arrows team and has been for last 3 years.

Harry, after exchanging a few words with Emily and teasing the young couple about how the two of them are so besotted to each other, informs Kade about their unexpected house guest currently asleep in the guest bedroom and excuses himself to check up on the man.

There is only so much he could handle. The day is not done and he already had two big revelations from his past/future. And now he is going to meet Sirius and James.

He needs some time to himself.

Tracey Davis. Who if Harry had any way, he will make sure that she is raised by both her parents and grandparents. If he had any way, this time she will be Tracey Potter.