For you, my brightest star

22/06/1979

POV – Peter Pettigrew.

When Peter woke up, he was in a large unfamiliar room. Sun rays were pouring from the windows from where the curtains are left opened for summer air to fill the room.

And to his pleasant surprise Cassy was sleeping next to him on the bed.  He relaxes a little now. Knowing that if she is here then he is safe.

She looks so cute and adorable in this moment. With her face so relaxed, not a single stress line on her face, which is a blessing in time like these.Few strands of brown hairs were partially covering her chubby cheeks. Both of her hands were holding Peter’s right elbow as if to make sure that he stays with her.

He places a soft kiss on her forehead after swiping the hairs off her face. He has a soft smile on his face, the same one that James teases him about, saying that he gets that when he is thinking about her or when he is watching her. He is really a lucky fellow for having her as his partner.

He lets a small breathy laugh when he finds the flowers that he had bought for her are placed on her side of table top near the bed. Most probably, and hopefully, she has kept there herself.

With the bouquet, the memories of yesterday came filtering through his head. His heartbeat skyrockets. And he feels his eyes brimming with tears at the thought of what he was asked to do. And what it will cost him if he rejects.

He had thought that he would be protecting the people he loves when he had at last decided to join the Order after everyone of his friends and Dorcas had decided to be war soldiers. Now, he himself became the reason that they will be hurt. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath when he feels tightness in his throat.

Suddenly he feels as if the walls are closing on him despite the room being quite big and well ventilated.

After yesterday’s earth-shattering event, he finds himself at loss. The last time he felt so much adrift was when his father had died at his hands because of his accidental magic.

What will he do? Should he tell Dumbledore? Will he help him or would he just say that the threats are baseless and brush Peter’s worries aside?

Should he talk to Dorcas? He does not want to make her worry even more, when stress is a constant companion in this blasted war.

But she is his anchor, his guiding star. The brightest star in his life. He loves her. But more than that he respects her. She is quite intelligent. Being a Ravenclaw, that is given. But she is quite a specialist in human behavior and psychology.

She will know what would be the right thing to do.

Or maybe he could talk to James or with Sirius.

He feels quite anxious laying down on the bed when his mind is conjuring a million ways to let him know how each solution that he is coming up with is wrong in some way or the other.

He carefully pries his arm out of Cassy’s grasp and lightly pads towards the bathroom.

After freshening up he decides to take a look out of the room and find out where he is.

The most he remembers is that Prongs was there to help him. But how did prongs know that Peter was in trouble. And how did he reach at the exact same place at the right time.

Peter just has a blurry image of Prongs talking to the two death eaters and then they were gone and then James apparated them somewhere.

As far as Peter knows, James should be at his auror training program at that time. Maybe he was on duty, following those two death eaters???

Yes, that must be it!

He will never cease to be grateful about how James Potter is an absolute brilliant best friend a person could have.

Peter knows that the guy is arrogant and a little self-absorbent.  But his heart is in the right place. And James Potter would not be James Potter if he is not goofing his way out of life. Being a little cruel, a little creative and a little charismatic and all the more loving. And Peter would not be his friend if he did not accept all parts of his friend’s personality.

They all know about how James is the reason of them becoming a group in the first place. He was like a glue, joining all the others with him and making them friends with each other after each of them had become friends with James.

The first to meet James was Sirius, obviously he was. James’s biggest partner in crime. The two of them just hit it off from the get go when they sat in the same carriage of the Hogwarts express.

Then Peter met them in the boats. He had sat with some bigoted kids in the train who were later sorted in Ravenclaw and Slytherin. They made him feel pretty anxious during the journey, so he just ran out of the train carriage to be away from them as soon as the train stopped. 

Sometime Peter thinks that the biggest thing he shows courage is in knowing when his limits are being crossed. When his buttons are pushed, he is well competent to remove himself from such situations. When things got above his capacity of tolerance level, he either deals with it or extricates himself from there. Knowing one’s limit and not letting anyone push your boundaries is pretty brave. He thinks.

Anyways, when he reached at the shore, James and Sirius were already sitting in the boat and there was a seat left so he rushed to sit. In his excitement of finally getting away from people looking down their nose at him, he jumped on the boat in rush and that made the boat to shook.

In those days his weight was on the heavier side because of his last year in a state of self-isolation after his father’s death and eating too much in his anxiety. While the other two were lean boys. So, the boat was now rocking because of him, Sirius immediately had one hand holding the side of the boat and the other hand on James’s wrist to prevent him from falling but it was James who held his free hand out to Peter, other wise Peter literally would have fallen down in the lake that night.

Then the three of them settled down after he muttered an apology but the his companion just waved off his worry about the incident. Neither of the two boys made any attempt about Peter’s blood status or his looks. They continued to talk and involved him sometimes, other times they were rapidly talking themselves.

They didn’t discuss anything about which house they would be sorted into. Later when they were friends, he found out that they had thought that he would be a Hufflepuff.

Peter himself has no idea which house he wanted to be in or which house he will be in and which house these two boys wanted to be sorted to. In fact, after their boat ride, he had lost the other two when he was staring at the castle in awe with his mouth open.

In the hall the boys from the train had pushed him back in the line with a sneer. Idiots, as if the sorting was not as per the alphabetical order of their surname. But the entitled assholes thought that just because they are pureblood, they should stand at the front.

Due to this he had missed the initial sorting till the surnames up to the alphabet D.

By the time his name was called, Peter was okay with any house. But just as Professor was about to put the Hat over his head he saw one of the boy from the boat sitting on the far left table and then the hat was covering his eyes, Peter had decided that is the house he wanted to go.

The Hat told him that Peter will be well suited in Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. It didn’t even suggest Gryffindor. But Peter had decided so he began debating with the hat. He told it that he will learn to be brave. That he had never come face to face with fear but if he does, he will face it bravely. He promised it.

The hat was a little reluctant. But then huffed in surrender and after advising him to be kind on himself, it announced Gryffindor.

To his surprise the boy from the boat whom he saw from the stool, the one with haughty features, gave him a grin which made him feel welcome and patted on the seat next to him. He was sitting next to a girl with bright red hairs. Peter sat on the other side of the boy.

After a while the boy with specs was also sorted to their house. And gave Peter a little wave from where he was sat opposite them and began chatting with Sirius.

They were informed that the three of them will be sharing the room together, along with another boy who was going to arrive two days late.

The other two boys were suspicious of why the fourth boy was not there on time but Peter just didn’t find any interest in it. There were already too many things to focus on. Like his dorm-mates.

He found Sirius a little intimidating but James was understanding with his clumsiness.

Also, him and James bonded on missing their parents. While Sirius was not much homesick because he found his parents a little stifling and his brother was not much interesting and fun.

So, with a silent agreement for the first few months Sirius and Peter were sharing their time with James, both of theirs first friend at Hogwarts. As if parent sharing custody of a child.

All this while Remus was almost non present. They found him fast asleep by 9 PM every night and he left for breakfast very early in the mornings.

When all of them started to notice that he got ill every month, they became curious.

Peter himself didn’t want to initiate conversation as he thought Remus didn’t like him. While Sirius found Remus quite suspicious.

James was the first who slowly began to form a friendship with Remus because they were allotted the same table in astronomy class.

By this point of time, Peter and Sirius were on good terms, so now, it was the two of them with James for 90 percent of the time and for remaining time he spent with Remus while Peter and Sirius were wary of their last dorm-mate.

This arrangement worked for the remaining part of their first year.

In their second year, McGonagall made Sirius sit with Remus and James with Peter to prevent the two top student from causing ruckus because they learned the subject quite quickly and then facilitated each other in causing chaos. And she was already done with them.

And in Potions Peter and Remus sat at last bench together. Remus because that seat was near window so he could get away from all the strong smells and Peter because Potions was his least favorite subject. It was not that he was too bad in it, no he was mediocre thank you very much, but it did not interest him much. While Sirius was as good as a potion’s prodigy. And James was also quite good at it because of his father. Although he did not have any natural instinct for it like Sirius had.

But the both of them didn’t like Slughorn’s incessant need to praise them too much so they underplayed their efforts and made mediocre potions. Just to keep the man’s uncomfortable commendations at bay.

Remus on the other hand looked as if he hated the subject with passion and used to get quite prissy when partnered with either Sirius or James because of their effortlessness at it. The two of them practically begged Peter to partner with him. He agreed in exchange for a year’s worth of supply of sugar quills.

So, slowly but surely Peter and Sirius warmed up to Remus who took the most efforts on their part.

By the time their fourth year rolled in, all four of them were a force to be reckoned with. A tight knit group.

And the rest was marauders’ history.

He sends a silent thanks out there to the universe for bringing James to all their lives.

Peter came out of his reminiscing when he realized that he did not even know where he is going.

And wow! This place is really big. Like some bungalow. But why had James bring him here? And not their flat and most importantly where is here?

Once again, he feels panic bubbling in his heart.

He takes the flights upstairs so that he could get some fresh air. He decides to clear his mind a bit before continuing finding his friend in this maze of a house.

And what a coincidence!  On the terrace Prongs is sitting with his back to Peter. His bird nest of hairs are even more rumpled today. And his posture is oddly rigid. Peter thinks that, maybe it is because what happened to him yesterday, James is worried.

Apparently, he is enjoying the sunrise view. Not that it is a surprise to Peter. For being such a spoiled kid, out of the four of them, he has always been the one who is the least fussy about having to wake up early.

Peter himself has no problem with the time of waking up, he just needs someone to actually wake him up on time. Alarms do not work for him. According to Sirius he sleeps through the alarm, while all other people wake up from the sound of his alarm, he remains asleep.

Sirius, who had been his entire childhood ordered to follow specific sets of rules. One of which being asked to wake up at six in the morning. Had decided to rebel against it once he was free from the chains of the house of Black and slept to his heart’s desire when there was no one telling him that he is a disgrace for merely having slept in.

Remus on the other hand is the crankiest person in the morning you will ever see. He wants a good 8-9 hours’ sleep. Otherwise, all people around him will suffer. A cranky Remus is worst than a Remus in his werewolf form. And that is really saying something.

Peter shakes his head. He guesses that in his memories the four of them will always come together whenever he remembers his school days. Even though now their group is standing on a cliffhanger.

Peter drops to his knees behind James. But before his arms reach to hug his friend, before he can open his mouth to give his gratitude, Prongs stiffens for a microsecond and then with a speed Peter did not know Prongs possesses, he stands up and points his wand at Peter who is still kneeling with his arms out awkwardly in the air from his prospective hug.

Now that he sees carefully, this is not Prongs at all.

He is slimmer than Prongs. His arms do not have muscles that comes after being a chaser for 6 years straight. His height is a little short. His eyes are green instead of his friend’s warm brown. His nose is not as straight as Prongs’. And his Jaw is a little less defined.

“What are you doing?” Asks the doppelganger of his best friend.

Peter blinks. Not understanding what is happening.

Has this low-grade duplicate copy of his best friend kidnapped him?

“I was going to hug Prongs. But you are not him. Who are you? And where am I?”

The guy narrows his eyes contemplatively then lowers his wand, shoulders still stiff and answers, “I am his cousin, Harry Potter. And this is Potter manor.”

Peter is a little surprised at being at Potter manor.

“James and Sirius are sleeping downstairs.” He tells him before Peter can ask.

“ohh. Okay. Sorry, I startled you. From behind I thought it was James. I am Peter by the way. Peter Pettigrew. James’s friend.”

Harry nods his head and attempts to gives him a small smile but it comes out more as a grimace.

Peter does not know what is making this guy so jittery. Yes, it is understandable that a random guy wanting to hug you will make you uncomfortable but it is not as though Peter keeps trying to hug him even after knowing that this is not Prongs. Must be due to the war. After all Peter himself feels anxious at random moments because of his fear.

Peter decides to ignore cousin Potter's strange reaction and contemplate as to why James had brought him to his ancestral home instead of taking him to their home or to mungo’s.

“So, how are you feeling?” Harry asks politely.

“Ohh, I am good. A little soreness in the muscles but otherwise I am well.” He answers.

There is a strange awkwardness between them, that Peter neither knows the reason for nor does he know how to remove it.

Harry nods his head.

Peter searches his mind to make small talk. But as always in such times of need in social circumstances, his mind comes up empty handed.

At last, he thinks to talk about weather, because that Is a relatively neutral topic when there is a pop and a house elf dressed in lilac dungaree bows his head at Harry a little and then says to Peter, “Miss meadows is looking for Mr. Pettigrew downstairs.”. And then pops away.

Peter nods to Harry and takes his leave. Silently thankful to his girlfriend for saving him from this awkward and tense conversation.

When he reaches downstairs, Dorcas is sitting on the bed with her head held in her hands, with James and Sirius also standing near the door. He smiles to them and moves towards Cassy.

“Where did you go? I woke up and you were not there!” Dorcas all but shouts at him, making him stop dead in the middle of the room.

“I was just upstairs getting a little air, Cassy. You were still fast asleep so I didn’t want to wake you up.” He answers her. Knowing that she is scared and not angry.

She huffs and folds her arms, then with a glare in his direction says, “You should have woken me up. Not knowing where you were after what happened yesterday! Do you know how scared I was? How worried we all were. Searching for hours. Not knowing where else you could be. Or what happened to you.”

“I am really sorry Cas. I was ambushed on my way back. I just bought that bouquet for you from that corner shop near mum’s place and then before I could apparate, two death eaters rounded up on me. I am sorry you were so worried.” He explains her and gathers her in his arms.

She holds the front of his shirt and rest her head just above his chest, hearing his heartbeat and making sure he is here with her all the while he mutters apologies to her.

Now that the two had made things clear between them, James and Sirius approach the hugging couple and James claps him on the shoulder while Sirius nods at him with a relieved smile.

“Who were those two death eaters?” Sirius asks. Down the business. Just like him.

“It was the younger Lestrange and Rossier.” Peter answers.

Sirius grits his teeth in anger, his grey eyes turning to mercury in his fury. His jaw clenches as he nods a little as if deciding how he is going to pay them back.

“Thanks to Prongs I am all well. But what were you doing there, Prongs?” He asks.

James has a confused frown on his face and his eyebrows gets scrunched.

“It was not James, Pete. It was his cousin Harry Potter who saved you.” Dorcas is the one who tells him.

Ohh. Yes, just seeing the guy on the terrace, Peter knows that in his half unconscious state he must have confused him for James.

“He told us what they did to you and what they were asking of you.” James says.

Peter can’t help but be a little disappointed that Harry had told them all things. He himself was not sure who he wanted to tell or what he wanted to tell them or whether he wanted them to know about it at all. But he is also a little relieved that now he does not have to make that decision for himself.

“We will figure it out, Wormtail. You don’t worry. We won’t let them hurt you again.” Sirius says with conviction.

“Yes. No one can hurt one of us and get away with it.” James says. And then side-eyes Sirius with a little frown as if remembering that thing with Remus. Someone within them hurting one of the them.

The same house elf from the terrace pops once again and informs them that breakfast is served on the dining table. They all head downstairs.

“So, did you two found out what was it that your aunt wanted to talk to you about?” He asks his friends. Wanting to change the morose atmosphere.

“No, last night Sirius and I were really tired. What with Moody making us run drills and then searching for you. So, after dinner aunt Dorea suggested that we sleep here itself. Told us that we are not in the right mind to have the talk. ”

Peter nods his head and comments, “Let’s just hope that it is not really the talk. That would be embarrassing.” making everyone laugh.

“I just hope that it is not a Big talk otherwise Moody will have our head.” Sirius states.

“I mean we have to reach by 10. It can’t take more than two hours.” James counters.

“You will go at work without a bath?” Dorcas asks with a scrunched nose.

“We had a nice bath last evening before coming here, and our work is mostly on the field. So, there is no use of bathing before work if we have to bath for a second time anyways, now is it?” James replies.

“Gross.” Dorcas comments.

“Not all of us can have job in nice offices, now can we Miss Meadows?” Sirius says teasingly.

“Yeah. Even both of your initial career choices also involved field work.” Peter says in general. Implying about curse breaker and professional quidditch player his friends would have been if it were not for the war.

“Well, I can still become a curse breaker after this is all done. Prongs, on the other hand is getting too old for quidditch.” Sirius jokes.

“You wound me Padfoot. Damaging my talented reputation in such a nasty way in front of our good friend and lovely miss Meadows.” James says dramatically.

“I think you should duel for your honor Prongs.” Peter suggests.

“Good idea Pete. Then everyone will know who is the truly getting grey and wrinkly.” James says happily.

“I will defeat you, Potter and then everyone will know that you are all brawns.” Sirius drawls in the nasally voice of Snape. He has become an expert of sort after practicing it for years. At which they all laugh, remembering the good old school days.

When they reach the dinning table, everyone from the Potter family is already seated.

The head seat of the table is kept empty. Charlus Potter and his wife are sat on one side. Their son and grandson on the other side. James goes to sit near Harry while Sirius takes a seat near Lady Potter. Peter sits next to James’ right side as Dorcas sits opposite to him next to Sirius.

After everyone greets each other, Peter says. “Thank you, Lord and Lady Potter, for your hospitality. And Harry, thank you so much for helping me yesterday and saving my life.”

The Potter couple nod at him and Mrs. Potter says, “It is no trouble dear. James often mentioned about you in his letters. We are happy to have you here. Would have been even better if you hadn’t been unconscious and injured when you arrived. But now all is well.”

Peter himself is not a pureblood but his mother is one, even if her magic lays dormant. So, she was given the training all the purebloods receive. She had made sure that he knows things like this, knowing that as an apparent 'muggle born' he will be already held with little to no respect among some circles.

Besides, it is the first time he is meeting James’s relatives. Euphemia and Fleamont were not big on customs and asked him to call them by their name but that is not the case with the current head of house Potter.

He nods at her and also gives a small smile and nod of greetings to their son, Kayden Potter, which the young man returns.

Mrs. Potter asks Peter about his health and the other three about there stay at the night.

Peter is really very hungry and the assortment of dishes makes his stomach grumble, which thankfully only James hears and smirks at him. For which Peter elbows him in the stomach lightly and welcomes himself to the food.

Peter notes that Sirius has a small frown on his face as he looks at the newest of the Potter.

Peter himself had not been able to form any judgement on this Harry person, nevertheless he is grateful for yesterday’s save. Though from the way he replied to Peter’s gratitude for yesterday, saying – ‘it was the least I could have done’- the guy is really very modest. Unlike James who prances around with pride at the slightest of compliment.

“So, Jamie have you visited Aunt Effie and Uncle Flee recently?” Kayden Potter asks.

“We visited two weeks ago. Sirius and me i.e. Other than that no. Why, are they not okay?” James questions, tension bleeding in his voice.

The 4 other Potters converse something silently through their expressions.

“Well, son the thing is we didn’t want to raise your hope before we had any concrete evidence. Now. we are sure so we can tell you. Your parents are almost fully healed. They will have to stay there itself for about a month more for observation purpose but we are confident that they will be with us in no time.” Lord Potter says.

The expression on both James and Sirius’s face are priceless. James even has tears in his eyes.

“Really?” Sirius asks, disbelievingly. “Why didn’t you tell us last night?”

“Well, last night you two were already worried about your friend’s well being. Quite exhausted from your work and searching your friend, I would say.” Mrs. Potter says a little caustically.

Kayden Potter hides his amused chuckle behind coughs here and says, “We wanted to initiate this long talk with something happy. This is mum’s way of telling you that after this really good news, you better be ready. Because as muggles say, shit is about to hit the fan.”

Harry, Peter and Dorcas laugh while the purebloods appear to be confused at the phrase.

“Harry, did I say something wrong? I have heard you say this a few times, why are you laughing?” A confused Kayden asks his nephew.

“Well, let’s just say that we don’t say things like that in polite company.” Harry says with mischievous look.

There is two second of silence in which Sirius, James and Harry are looking at Lady Potter while Kayden’s eyes bulge and then she doesn’t disappoint the three of them, “Language, Kayden Potter.” Which causes the three expecting boys to hide a small smile behind their hands.

“Anyways, as I was saying. The second thing you didn’t know was that it was Harry’s suggestion that we could get my cousin and cousin in law checked by a muggle healer.” Lord Potter continues.

“Doctor.” Dorea supplements.

Here Harry turns red as everyone’s gaze turn towards him, to which he gives a nervous close-lipped smile.

“Also, Harry dear, I forget to tell you, we recommended the treatment to some people we know who were suffering from this ailment, out of which four more people have agreed to consult the same team of doctors who are behind Effie and Flee’s treatment.” Dorea tells to Harry. Peter feels that she wanted to direct everyone’s attention away from Harry so she continued talking and didn’t gave any chance to James and Sirius to express their wholehearted gratitude.

“Sirius dear, what is it?” Charlus says. Peter turns away from Harry to look at Sirius who looks quite forlorn.

“Oh nothing.  Just. I am glad that Mia and Monty are going to be alright.” Sirius croaks out. “I just wish I knew such a treatment existed in muggle world.”

“Yeah. Me and Padfoot were so lost without mum and dad. This is the first time we felt as if the problem is bigger than us. Like we can’t solve it, however much we wished.”  James says rubbing his nose which has turned red from all the emotions. Everyone nods their head in understanding.

“You are thinking about Alphard.” Dorea says to Sirius. It’s not a question.

Peter remembers in their 6^th year, Padfoot’s uncle Alphard passed away after suffering from the same disease for a long time.

As far as Sirius has told him, Alphard was one of the only family member of his, who likes him and who he likes in return. Thus, his death had been a big event in Sirius’s life. Left him disconcerted for a long time.

So, it is understandable that Sirius will think of his uncle who has lost his life to a disease when the treatment was available.

Though, Peter is confused. He spends most of his time in magical world but still he would have known if such a disease and its solution had existed in muggle world.

And if not for him whose only parent -his mum, who is a little less outgoing because of her past tied in the magical world. Then someone else like Lily or merlin bless her soul- Mary, could have told James.

Lily knew the whole time she was dating James for a year and a half. And Mary also must have known.

So much of suffering of the couple and James and Sirius could have been lessened.

Looking at his friends’ face, Peter knows that the other two and Cassy are also thinking the same thing. It must have been clear from their faces because Harry answers their unasked question.

“It was not a readily available muggle solution. Actually, living in muggle world made me realize that a couple of their diseases if combined have the same symptoms as dragon pox infected people have. It was just a random thought I had a few years back. Then when I came here, Dorea and Charlus told me about your parents and I just randomly commented that if magical treatment is not working then they could try the muggle medicines. I had no idea it could work. You don’t have to beat yourself over not coming up with a solution.” This last line is directed at Sirius as Harry focuses his Jade green eyes at Sirius imploringly.

To his surprise, Sirius nods back to Harry with a small smile.

He looks at Cassy questioningly at the strange interaction, she gestures that she will explain later.

“Nonsense, Harry dear.” Dorea says. “You took us to muggle doctors. Explained to them about the ailment. We would have stuck out there in the muggle world like a sore thumb if it weren’t for you. We three along with Effie and Flee have never set foot in muggle world, you know this.”

“Yes, son. A respected wizard or witch should never undermine their work.” Charlus says. The couple nod at this as if this is another of those etiquette class and they are teaching their grandson about pureblood ways of life.

Harry once again getting uncomfortable with his praises turns to look at Kayden pleadingly who understands and says, “You should have seen mum and dad’s face, James. When that muggle doctor said that they would need blood samples. They looked ready to draw their wands. If it weren’t for Harry who stopped them and later explained that the doctor will not be using aunt and uncle’ blood in any ritual or blood magic and that they will just test the disease with the help of it.”  

This draws a small round of chuckles around the table. Peter can see this happening. The magical people don’t understand muggle healing system.

Peter notes that Harry is calling the elderly couple by their names. Must have been awkward to call some new people as grandpa and grandma after 18 years of not knowing them.

James, who is sitting next to Harry, puts his arm around the guy’s shoulder and says, “Well, however you arrived with the solution; my parents, Sirius and I will always be thankful to you, new cousin!”

Sirius also nods his head and opens his mouth to express his gratitude too but Harry cuts him and says, “We are family. It’s the least I could do to help.” having had enough of everyone's gratitude and compliments.

“Moving along, this is the main concern which led your aunt and I to invite the both of you here……” Lord Potter begins.

“Umm, so sorry to interrupt you lord Potter. But if it is a family matter, Pete and I could leave. We wouldn’t want to intrude. In fact, we had already overstayed.” Dorcas says politely.

“Well dear child. If we had any problem, we would have waited to begin this talk, no?” Dorea Potter says sternly to Casy. “Anyways, if not for yesterday’s event, Charlus and I would have talked to these two privately. But after Harry dear told us about that attack on young Mr. Pettigrew we thought to include you both as well. Now that you have asked, we would only impress upon you two to offer your covertness on the things you learn from this discussion.”

Both Peter and Dorcas nod and at that they feel a swirl of magic at the non-verbal contract they just made to not share things they learn here. Lord Potter continues.

“Yes, as you know James that your parents had wanted you to take up the mantle of lord Potter. We all had agreed that as the heir of the house, it would be prudent to do so, even if we felt that you were quite young for the role and the burdens it encompasses.”

He pauses and look James and then at Sirius. 

“That would have been the case. But a very troubling news reached your parents’ ears and they amended their decision and came to the verdict that your uncle Charlus would be better suited for the role.” Dorea says with a smirk. “In fact, they were quite disappointed in both of you. This made them realize that you have some more growing up to do.”

Peter feels uncomfortable with the dressing down Mrs. Potter is giving. And the smirk on the woman’s face makes Peter think that one of the reasons she wanted Dorcas and him here for this talk is to humiliate his two friends further by chastising them in front of their friends. After all, no one likes to be talked like this in front of their friends. He can see that Dorcas is in the same boat as him.

Beside that, Peter has no idea about where this is going.

“We would like to know, why the two of you thought that it would be sensible to go behind the Lord and Lady of the house, i.e., your parents at that time, and become member of a secret organization fighting a dark lord?” Charlus asks calmly.

And his wife continues, twisting the knife before James and Sirius have anytime to express their shock at being caught, “Yes. We know that Effie and Flee had been quite unsuccessful in curbing you into a proper pureblood heir, James. But even those two were banking on the fact that if not for their status as head of the house, you two would at the very least have the sense to inform them about your decision as your parent or guardian figure.”

James’s jaw clenches here and Sirius’s head is bowed down. Peter knows that Dorea questioning James’ parents’ methods of up bringing him has stuck a chord.

Had these people took their wands out and literally cursed them, then also James and Sirius would have been less hurt. Because right now, saying that Euphemia and Fleamont know about them joining the order and are hurt and disappointed is too much for the two to bear.

“You two are heirs to two respectful houses….” Charlus begins but Sirius intersects saying, “I was disowned and disinherited. I am not….”

Dorea looks sharply at Sirius, “Sirius Black do not interrupt when your uncle is speaking.” She looks quite furious, her dark curls buzzing with her magic, “But to clear the matter, only you and your mother thinks that is the case. You were the Black heir for 16 years, do I need to spell out for you that when someone is disowned, the family magic running through their veins is called back. Which is quite a painful ordeal. Did you ever felt that the family magic is not working for you?”

Sirius shakes his head.

“You were disinherited, yes. But never disowned. The tapestry at your parents’ home is just a copy of the original family tree at the Black Moore. And only Lord of the house has the authority to do that. Which your mother never was. Disinheriting you was approved by cousin Arcturus because you walked out of the family. Whatever your reasoning might have been. The plan Lord Black had for survival of Black family during the war was disrupted because of you. Not only that but you had on several occasions dragged our house’s reputation down due to your pettiness. Arcturus felt that you should be appropriately punished. Which let me tell you, you were not in my opinion. Do I need to remind you who in the recent times has been disowned? ”

“Andromeda.” Sirius just says.

“Yes, your cousin had been disowned and disinherited. Do you know why?”

“Because she married a muggleborn.” Sirius answers.

“Circe help us.” Dorea shakes her head in disappointment and takes a deep breath. “Where have you been living young man? In your own imaginative world? She had been discarded out of our family because she ran away from a contract of marriage with the Lestrange heir. Which I think I should state before you draw your own assumptions that she had agreed herself when she turned 17. The two of them had been friends their entire life. Because of the stunt she pulled, poor Bellatrix had to step up for the sake of the family’s reputation and marry him. When she had expressed her desire to further her education for a few more years and not asked to be married.”

“But Lestrange is a death eater!” Sirius says indignantly.

At this, Peter is reminded of the events of the day before. Someone’s feet touch his and he is brought out of his reverie, when he looks up Dorcas gives him a small smile in silent support and understanding.

“He is. But that has no bearing on the head of the house’s decision who has to think of everyone in the family. They can’t sit around to entertain temper tantrums of one. And that is besides the point when the girl had made her choice.”

“She was 17 when the contact was signed great aunt Dorea! She changed her mind when she grew up. She should not be treated this way when she did what she felt right to run away rather than marry a murderer.”

Peter remembers this being a big news. That the daughter of the house of Black had been exiled. They were in their 3^rd year. That means somewhere around 1972 or 1973. Peter thinks that was the starting period when Sirius began to hate his family.

“Did she choose, dear nephew? Or was it that she had to run away? Because let me freshen up your memory in case you have forgotten. But your cousin was pregnant with the child of her paramour, she had no other choice. Nor did she leave any choice for her own sister.”

Peter had not known this. He had thought she first married and then got pregnant. Looking at Sirius, he is shocked to find that Sirius knew the real fact.

And if this was true than Andromeda had really committed a social crime.

“Bearing that in mind, I feel that Arcturus was merciful in dishing out punishment. Such acts of betrayal result in deaths. And not only this, he did her the courtesy of not disowning her until she delivered her babe. Otherwise, it would have been fatal for both. Not only that but my sister-in-law, Irma, the girls’ grandmother gave her some money to set her up. Because that girl and her paramour were not in any way prepared for such consequences to their actions.”

“Now I am seeing why Walburga had been so strict with you. Have you been wearing these rose-tinted glinted glasses since then onwards? That you are defending Andromeda? Cassiopeia tells me that you have been openly discrediting our family. Now, I see why they had felt so threatened with your sorting. Because it was never about the initial sorting, was it? It was the way in which you have been gaslighted into believing the worst about your family that is really concerning.” Dorea’s words are sharp and her lips forming a disappointed frown.

“Dorea.” Charlus says, pulling his wife out of her furiousness.

“Even if you thought otherwise Sirius, you had the responsibility to at least inform the couple who had invited you into their home with open arms that you have become a front-line warrior in this war.” Kayden says kindly to Sirius.

“Nevertheless. This is not about sentimentality of the issue. When you came to stay with them, you were offered the protection and care of the house of Potter. That made you an honorary Potter. So, despite you being of age, you were still answerable to Lord Potter. Because you still had their protection.” Dorea says, her voice void of any emotion.

“It seems you have a knack for disappointing family and bringing them harm.”  Is not said but Peter atleast can hear the unsaid part the woman is not voicing.

“Moving on, James you too have turned your back to the house by disregarding your duties as the heir of the house. Which all four of us elders have found to be quite irresponsible. You as the heir are a representation of the future of this house. Do you know what it means when you show support to one side of this war? The society will not know that this has been a sheer stupidity on your part. They will only understand that you have been responsible enough to discuss this with the head of your house. Which in turn depicts that our house as a whole is siding with Dumbledore in this war. And not just you individually.” Charlus says, sounding disappointed.

James and Sirius pale at this and appear proper shocked.

“This is why your parents were so disappointed, Sirius, when they found out that you were sorted in Gryffindor. Because you people are too callous in your choices. Not at all considering the larger impact of your decisions. They knew that such tendencies will only be more cultivated in that house and not at all curbed,” Dorea says.

“Were you ever planning to tell any of us about your decisions or were you planning on letting us know through newspapers? About you being war hero’s or most probably through your obituary?” Kayden asks.

James and Sirius don’t say anything. Which makes the answer clear to everyone.

Now, Peter understands why they wanted James and Sirius wide awake and alert and in their senses for this talk.

“Do you two understand how much danger you have been putting your family through by doing this? Not only your parents but us too? James, Sirius, you know that Kayden has been courting miss Davis. Do you know that she too is in danger because of you? And we didn’t even know! One day someone would have attacked us and wiped our entire existence and none of us would have even known about why we had been targeted. Just because you two were out there playing hero! And what of Harry? He too would have suffered because of this. Just joining our family and then killed because of your misguided attempt at trying hands at things which are so much above you.” This time Charlus is shouting. His booming voice telling everyone that he is the Lord of the house.

Kayden and Harry share a smirk at something. Though Peter doesn’t understand what was so funny in the entire talk.

Dorea puts her hand on her husbands and says, “We had decided to stay at our home. The townhouse. But we changed that decision when we found out about this. Had we been staying there anything could have happened. But we are not saying all this to make you feel guilty. No. You need to understand that adults are here for you. To help you. To guide you. Sirius, your rebellion has to end someday. Not everything is about challenging authority figures and proving that you are better than them. Where are you going with this? To what end are you going to keep fighting your values, your family, your instincts?”

Sirius grinds his teeth and blink his eyes rapidly.

“Please aunt Dorea. It was me who had suggested this. Sirius just followed my lead. Mum and Dad were already disapproving our choice to become Auror. We felt that they would never approve of fighting directly in the war that is why we thought better to keep this from them.” James says quietly. Keeping his gaze fixed at the table.

“They were against your career choice because of two reasons. The first is that you two being heirs means that you had the responsibility to the family which is not possible to fulfil with a demanding job like that. But more importantly because it had never been your dream to be an Auror to begin with James. And Sirius too. They felt that you are sacrificing your wishes due to the outside atmosphere.” Kayden explains.

“Anyways. We will proceed after you answer us your reason for joining this group. You are pureblood and thus this war does not concerns you. At not least directly, until the dark lord feels threatened by you. So, what made you make this choice?” Charlus asks.

When no one says anything, Charlus asks, “Was it because these two young people? In some misguided attempt to protect them?” Meaning him and Dorcas.

Peter is startled at the sudden attention shift to him and his girlfriend. Especially when the head of the house are quite furious.

“What? No. It was due to our other friend. He had promised Dumbledore that he will join him. I volunteered to make sure he is safe.” James says.

“So, at least you think about your friend’s safety. Just your family has to bear the brunt of your bad choices. Only we were going to be the collateral damage due to your lack of knowledge about pureblood customs and politics.” Dorea comments. Still bitter about the whole matter. “What about you Sirius?”

“I also joined because Remus and James were joining.” Sirius says, voice a little hostile because all the dressing down he had received.

“And what about you two?” Charlus asks him and Cassy.

Casy answers, “My best friend, Marlene had joined when she learned that James is joining. They both are childhood friend. She too lives in Godric’s hollow. I knew that Peter will also cave in sooner or later and join due to indirect peer pressure. Because his other three friend were joining too. I felt that if all the people my age are joining, my friends. My boyfriend! It would not matter if I joined or not. War will affect everyone around me. Besides, both my parents are muggleborns. They had joined the order even before I finished the school. They were not happy that I am also joining. But I told them the same thing- that the two them fighting has made me a target already. I might as well fight if all people around me are either reckless Gryffindors or somehow thinking that they are helping protect their loved ones.”

Sirius and James look at her in betrayal at saying that Peter would feel pressured to join. But Peter knows that even not wanting to be pressured, he would have been. Indirectly. Obviously.

Peter had thought that he had agreed after Dorcas. It looked that way. But Dorcas had forecasted that Peter will join and that is why she said yes. She never told him that.

Dorcas made the three of them look like children. Her answer is enough to make all of them know that she is not only a year older than the other three but also that her wisdom is even more profound. Peter can see it in the way Dorea is looking at Cassy with a newfound respect. And Harry saying - “You remind me of one of my best freind.”

It seems that she had been bottling this up for very long.

Too Peter’s horror, she looks as if she is about to cry. He had never known that she was under so much duress. He has failed as a boyfriend, if she had not been able to come to him to say this earlier.

He stands up from his seat and goes to sit next to her. Then he takes her hand in his and mutters an, “I am sorry.”

She nods a little then drinks a little water to calm herself down.

“What about your parents Mr. Pettigrew? Do they know?” Dorea asks

“No mam. My mother is not aware.” Peter says. Not liking where this conversation is going.

“Is she a muggle born or a muggle?” Charlus asks. “I mean my own grandson’s mother is a muggle born So, I am not asking it because of any prejudice. Let me be clear. Just what is your reason? We have two of your friends, not telling their pureblood parents. Then your lady friend over here whose parents are aware. Which boat are you in, in all of this?”

Peter is silent for a little while. He had never told anyone about his mother’s history. Anyone other than Dorcas and the Marauders and Marlene.

But these people have been discussing their family matters in front of him. Both Potter and Black family. He could also share something little about his family. These people do not look like they could hurt his mother for her status as a squib.

“My mother, she is a squib. She has been born and brought up in this world till the age of eleven. I didn’t tell her because I am the only family she has. I didn’t want her to worry or ask me to not do this. Which now, looking back is quite a shitty reason. Sorry for the language. I just realize that I could have hurt her because of this.” Peter says. Feeling ashamed. After all his mother had done. And this is how he repays her. By lying to her about his deadly side career choice. He had brought danger to her doorstep by lying to her.

“From which family?” Dorea asks.

“Selwyn.” He replies.

“Hmmm.”

Kayden asks him, “So, what have you planned to do? After the threats you have received yesterday. Those threats are directed at not only you and your family and girlfriend but two of our own”

“I honestly don’t know what to do. I mean I would inform Dumbledore but beyond that I have no idea. I mean it’s not like I could take everyone who could be hurt because of me and hide them all. And I don’t think that Dumbledore will do much to help in this matter, other than advising me to keep fighting for the greater good.”

Harry snorts. When Peter looks up to look at him because Peter cannot honestly think of anything he said was funny.

Harry is looking at him as if measuring his soul which Peter finds quite unnerving. He looks contemplative, chewing his lips.

“What do you suggest Harry dear?” Charlus asks.

Peter is shocked that the head of the house is asking the youngest of all of them present. Especially when he had only recently become part of the family.

Dorea and Kayden also appear to be looking at Harry for his suggestion as if this is all normal, asking a 17–18-year-old for suggestions.

Dorcas, Sirius and James share his confusion. They too find it odd.

“Just bringing Sirius and James here and other things you planned will not be much helpful in the light of yesterday’s event. Though at the moment I can’t think of anything else that can help.” Harry says, still thinking.

“Do you want them to know about your……?” Kayden asks, pointing at Harry’s hand.

Harry chews his lips and then shrugs, “Well if they are going to live here, they might as well know but I won’t be providing any further details to sate their curiosity.”

With that he begins to unbutton the cuff button of his left-hand sleeves and rolls the material up. There on his inner forearm is a tattoo that Peter has never seen before in his entire life.

Cassy appears to be equally unmoved by seeing just a lackluster tattoo.

James has a confused frown on his face, his eyebrows scrunched as if he is trying very hard to figure out from where he can remember the design.

But it’s Sirius whose eyes widen and he looks at Harry with open mouthed astonishment.

“Well, at least you remember some of the things taught to you, dear great nephew.” Dorea comments, “Anyways I am sure you will later fill your friends on the importance of this mark.”

Sirius nods in a little daze, doesn’t even seem to notice the taunt.

“James, Sirius you will be shifting here at the manor, for the time until this war is over. You will also inform Dumbledore of your decision to leave his organisation.” Charlus says. When his friends begin to open their mouth to object, he holds his hand up, “You do that or I will be disinheriting and disowning you from this family, James. I am not meek like Fleamont. If I think that you defying my authority will prove to be life threatening to your parents, my wife, son, grandson, and future daughter in law then I will do it. I will not let your brutish recklessness become the reason this family is wiped off. If you still want to pursue your desire then be my guest. In fact, had it not been for your parents’ love for you, that would have been the best course of action to send a message that we are not siding with Dumbledore and hence your banishment from the family. But alas, even after being the current lord, I am not the permanent one. Nor do I or my family have any wish to usurp you from your status as the heir. But I speak on behalf of your parents that one step out of the line and we will take serious action. Consider this as the final strike against you.”

“Sirius, as you are neither a Potter in name nor in blood, so, we could neither disown you nor disinherit you. But I think you do know that it is for your own benefit that you listen to our advice. You have not faced any of the troubles a run-away member of a pureblood family faces because of the name this family has in society. You better show your respect to this family and the people who carry its name. And do us the curtsey of not becoming the reason of our untimely death. You too, like James have option though. Make a public announcement that you are no longer under the protection of this house and do whatever you wish to do.” Dorea says.

“You both will also be resigning from your job in the Auror office. I know that this decision of yours had been approved by the previous lord of the house but I had suggested and they too had agreed that after the stunt you have pulled, this is very small price you will pay to understand consequence of going behind our backs. Again, you could deny and the consequences will be the same as earlier. If you accept to leave both those jobs behind and come here to stay at the manor, your aunt Dorea will be teaching you both about the things you should already know. Aside from that you could apply for any other job of your choice which isn’t life threatening. Or you could decide to enter Wizengamot. Or study further. That will be up to you.” Charlus tells.

“It is not like we can publicly renounce our support to Dumbledore. Because neither his organisation nor that of Lord Voldemort are ministry approved. It was just assumed that our house has taken a side because our heir and our ward have been fighting openly with one side and against another. This is the only damage control we could think of as of now." Charlus finishes.

Then Dorea looks at him, “Though we have no obligation to your personal well-being. Still, the threat you received yesterday is a serious one. It has put risk on the safety of two of our own. We could not ask them to cut ties with you or any people they have made contact on a personal level. Thus, it will be prudent to offer protection to you and yours as well. That way these two hot heads will not jump into action to protect you. You can accept the offer of protection on the condition that you will also leave Dumbledore’s organisation.”

Then Harry speaks, his voice steely in a way, it had never been before all the time Peter had heard him speak, “Though I will warn you Pettigrew, that you better not even try to think to bring any harm to this family. No one who lives under this home and other people we consider ours. Because if you did, I will make sure that Voldemort looks like a garden gnome when I begin to roll out my retribution.”

Peter feels the air charged over all of them. This feels like a threat combined with a promise.

Harry’s mark glows brightly and blindingly before it settles down to its shiny black shade.

Sirius's eyes widen as he looks between him and Harry. Peter thinks that he needs to know the significance of the tattoo now. The other three Potter are not that much surprised, though they too look at the mark in wonder.

Also, the way in which he called ‘Voldemort’, without any fear or distress. Full of conviction. As if he knows of his own capabilities and that of the current dark lord.

“You too Miss Meadows are welcome here, if you renounce your support to Dumbledore. Though your parent’s support to the man will be a problem. Your allegiance will always be split between two. And we cannot offer haven to someone whose contacts can bring harm to us.” Charlus says.

Dorcas nods in understanding.

“James, Sirius, you will be careful and alert until you have come to a final decision. You have a triple edged sword on your head as of now. Your profession, your vigilantism and your friendship. All three somehow affecting your safety. Once you come to a decision, we will decide from there on. Though we request you to not consider us as your adversary in all this. We care for you. it’s just that sometime tough decisions are to be taken to lead your family and make sure it survives. It is not our aim to hurt you and to that end we are taking this route” Dorea says.

“And I would like both of you to know that I will be very happy to have you here. Don’t let your sense of duty ride your decision.” Kayden tells James and Sirius.

“What will we do if not fight?” James asks, his voice heavy. “Sit and wait for the war to pass. Let people be killed while we sit here in the safety of Potter manor. And learn about pureblood culture.” He says sarcastically.

“Our methods were wrong, but we did this for the right reasons. You are asking us something too big. To stop fighting for what we believe. I don’t even who I am if I don’t fight in this war. I ran away because of this. And now you are saying to choose.” Sirius says, his grey eyes turning liquid silver as tears collect, though ever the Black, he doesn’t let it fall.

“The war will not be won with the way you are going about it. It will only ensure your demise and nothing else.” Kayden speaks to them like they are cornered animal and will attack any second. Though Peter thinks that it will be an apt description.

“You will know, Kayden, won’t you?” James says, his words aiming to hurt, “Sitting here in the manor, learning about history and customs and dark magic. You will surely know how to end this war.”

“No, I don’t. But I know someone who does.” Kayden says calmly, not falling for the bait.

“Well, share with the class then.” James says, challenge in his eyes.

“I know how to end this war.” Harry says quietly but confidently.

Sirius, James, Dorcas and him looks at the teen boy in astonishment. Not believing. Well at least on the later three’s part, because Sirius looks between the tattoo and the boy’s green eyes. He looks stuck halfway in believing the gravity of the statement made.

“This war will end. But Kayden is right in saying that the war will not be won by the way the Order is fighting. It just gives you a sense of self-respect. That you are not sitting by idly. That you are better than the other side…..” Harry is interrupted by James.

“Why should we believe you? A barely of age boy. Just came out of nowhere and claimed to be a part of our family. Suspiciously was present at the right time when Peter got attacked. Turning my aunt and uncle against us. Now giving advice to end the war like you will know anything about the war.”

Harry clenches his jaw, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I know more about the war than you ever will. But I am not giving you any advice. I am no one to you. You do whatever you feel like. Die and take all your friends along with you for all I care. Why would I care if your arrogance is blinding you from seeing what is right in front of you? If Order is so much of right choice, then do tell what is the big game plan here. How is the great Albus Dumbledore going to bring down Voldemort? By using a bunch of barely out of school people? You people are losing this war. And you know it. Deep down you know it.”

Harry stands up to leave but is stopped by, “Wait.” Dorcas says. “I ,,,,I …uhm.” Everyone is looking at her and she too looks as if she wants to say this even if she doesn’t know why she is saying this, “I believe you, Harry.”

Harry looks at her as if he too doesn’t understand why she said this but believes her all the same. He nods his head and says, “Be careful from Augustus Rookwood.”

Dorcas eyes widens and she nods her head jerkily.

Peter is a little unsure of what just happened.

Harry once again looks at James for a moment, then at Sirius where his gaze stays for a little longer and then it lands at Peter, “Choose very carefully, Peter. But one wrong choice and life as you know it will be over. Run away if it is getting too much. Come back when things are better. Rats do know when it is time to leave a sinking ship after all, eh Wormtail?”

And with that he is gone. He looks at James in betrayal for telling his cousin but both Sirius and James look the same amount of shocked as he is.

James comes out of his shock and states, “We should be leaving now, otherwise we will be late.” With a smirk on his face. As if wanting to remind his relatives that his job is more of a priority to him than this discussion. James Potter can be vindictive like that when cornered.

“Think about it, Son.” Charlus Potter says with a nod.

“Talk to your parents before deciding on anything.” Dorea says as everyone stands up.

James looks at her with a frown on his handsome face, “So they could persuade us to listen to you?  I may not be a Slytherin aunt Dorea but I know that meeting my parents will only mean me and Sirius doing exactly what you want us to.”

“Nothing is manipulative in what we are asking of you James. Though I will agree that it is selfish of us. But that is what a Parent’s love is. We will always choose our child before anything in the world. Euphemia and Fleamont would too.”

James nods instead of agreeing or declining and head to the door without any greetings or farewell. Sirius too follows his lead.

Though, Sirius is somehow much more troubled than James. His face a mixture of fatigue, guilt and confusion.

Dorcas and Peter too move along after giving murmuring their thanks for the stay and food.

Kayden Potter follows them out and at the manor wards he pulls James in a tight hug and says, “I know you are upset right now. With mum and Dad especially. But whatever you decide, don’t be a stranger, okay? We are cousins before anything else.”

He gives Sirius a one armed hug too and says, “Take care, Sirius.” With a genuine smile.

With a nod to Peter and Dorcas, Kayden heads back to the manor.

The four of them leave the manor with their mind jumping from one thought to next. Never being able to clear one thing before next one pops up.

This talk was really a heavy one.

Peter doesn’t know if he should be thankful that he got to be a part of this or cursing the circumstance that led to this.

Only time will tell.