Into the Hands of Fate

Chapter Thirteen

They parted and he smiled down with her, his eyes glowing with tears. "You should go back now, they're probably worried about you," he said softly and somewhat sorrowfully. "I'll watch you go."

She looked up at him. "You're not coming with me?" He shook his head in response. "What? Why?"

Requillo smiled crookedly. "I'll be watching over you, but I doubt that anyone at your school wants me present." She looked at him in incredulity and he embraced her again. "You're forgetting who I am-," but she cut him off.

"Who you were," she said stubbornly.

He grinned and wiped away a tear. "Right, who I was, but I'll be watching over you, never forget that." He pulled away and touched her cheek tenderly. "I'll love you always, remember that," he whispered.

The man turned to leave, but Hallie caught his hand in hers. She jumped up to give him the biggest hug she could muster at that moment. "I love you dad."

~*~

Albus Dumbledore sat gazing out his window serenely, that famous twinkle was still bright in his eyes. A small smile was upon his lips as he looked down at the front yard. The two separated but the man stood speaking with her as if trying to stall from leaving. Albus sighed lost himself in thought. What could he do? He knew there was something he could do to help, but what was it?

His eyes lit and he put on his hat from his table giving Fawkes a slight bow before leaving his office. Professor McGonagall, who was walking down the hall to see him about an emergency, almost ran headlong into him. He smiled at her. "Albus, you'll never believe what's happened!" she exclaimed. "Some of the children-,"

"- are missing, don't worry, Minerva," he finished for her. The woman was looking at him in skepticism. He beamed at her. "Mr. Potter and Miss Evans are on their way back, however, you will find Miss Forester, Mr. Black, and Mr. Lupin on the front grounds. There, you will also find a man, please invite him to say. Remember, it is my wish that he stays," he repeated. She nodded. "Now I must leave, there is something that I must do at the moment, I'll be back soon enough." And then he was off.

Minerva walked out through the main entrance and saw the four people Albus said would be there. She advanced and was a few feet away when the man turned and saw her. His eyes widened and he hurriedly searched for his locket to leave, but she said, "Please! Wait, wait one moment!"

Requillo looked at Hallie. She took his hand and looked at the Professor cautiously. "Er - hello, Professor McGonagall," she greeted.

The older woman nodded and turned to the man. She was slightly stunned at his features, but what struck her most was the resemblance between him and Hallie. When she looked at him closely once again, her face turned a deathly white but she fiercely tried to control her horror. Requillo turned to leave again, but Hallie held his hand and squeezed it in reassurance.

"You-you're-," Minerva stammered.

He looked at her solemnly. "I'll be leaving now ma'am, I'll do you no harm, please don't worry," he said softly. His voice was sincere and earnest which puzzled her. The newspapers described him as ruthless and cruel. Requillo looked at Hallie somewhat sternly, but lovingly. "I must go, Hallie, I'm sorry, but I must."

She shook her head and tears formed in her eyes again. "No, dad, you can't, not again," she said almost inaudibly, but Professor McGonagall heard.

"Dad?" she asked in incredulity. "He-He's your father?"

Hallie bit down on her lip and looked between her father but defiantly said, "Yes, he is."

Sirius, who had watched and listened in silence, stood up. "Professor, you don't know the whole story, please don't jump to conclusions," he said casually. She looked at him as if seeing the boy for the first time. He stole a glance at Hallie who shot him a quick thankful and relieved smile. "That man's not the person you think he is," continued Sirius. "There's something behind all he's done, he's not really the way everyone thinks he is."

Requillo looked at the boy carefully. The young man was brave and defiant, also filled with stubbornness, he thought, and the mischief shown in his eyes portrayed the playful side of him. There was something about him could be trusted and the way he spoke showed confidence. But how did the boy know that there was something behind the reputation he was given?

"But-but," stuttered Minerva taking many steps back, "he's a-a Death Eater! He's killed people!" she proclaimed. At this statement, Requillo winced in pain as a memory came to his mind. The woman took many deep and calming breaths. She had to regain her composure. "Children, step behind me." When Hallie looked at her in defiance, Minerva looked at her sternly. "It's for your own good, Miss Forester, you don't know what this man's capable of."

The girl shook her head and took a step back, moving behind her father. He closed his eyes for a short moment before opening them once again. "Hallie, do as your teacher tells you, she's right," he whispered with a trembling voice. She shook her head again stubbornly.

"I won't. I'll go with you," she responded.

Minerva then remembered the instructions Albus had given her and shuddered. He never did anything without a cause even if he was a bit eccentric. Requillo may not really be as bad as everyone made him out to be. With a deep sigh for comfort, she said, "You - er - we'd like to have you at Hogwarts."

Requillo nodded and turned to walk away when he stopped and looked at her with wide eyes. "You - you -," he stammered in confusion.

She couldn't stop the small smile creeping onto her face as she nodded and replied with, "Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has asked me to invite you to stay here at Hogwarts," With your daughter, added Minerva to herself.

At this, Hallie beamed and screamed with joy and jumped into her father's arms. Sirius smiled to himself, as did Professor McGonagall. Requillo shut his eyes and kissed his daughter's forehead and smelled the scent of her hair, trying to remember everything about her if ever he had to leave, which he truly hoped he wouldn't have to do.

A short while later, Minerva led everyone in, but found that Remus didn't follow her. "Mr. Lupin, would you care to follow?" she asked. He slowly turned his head to look at her and her heart broke inside her as she gasped. His eyes were sunken and dull as if there was no soul left in him. The light had left them and now, a dark shadow hovered in its wake. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" she wondered in concern. She knelt by him and he looked back down at the ground.

"She's gone, Professor," he whispered as a tear fell down his cheek, "and she's not coming back."

A frown came to the Professor's face as she thought of whom he could be speaking of. Then it hit her, his girlfriend, the person he loved and was always around, Lydia. Her eyes widened. "What do you mean? What's happened?"

He looked at her and brushed away the renewed tears that came to his eyes. "She killed Lydia, Gwen killed her," he murmured. Minerva gasped and closed her eyes for a few short moments. The other three watched in silence and Hallie shared a look with Sirius. They looked away for it they both didn't want the other to see the tears that had come to their eyes. Minerva put her arm around Remus' shoulder and helped him up. The other three followed them back into the school.

~*~

"I-I-I won't," stuttered Peter as he shuddered. He stood before Voldemort, alone.

The smile on the Dark Lord's face grew. "Oh, yes, you will, dear Peter, you will." He raised his wand and pointed it to the boy's heart. This made poor Peter shake all the more. "Bow to me, boy, and join my ring of Death Eaters. You will gain glory, gain honor, and gain friends that will never part from you."

Peter shook his head. "I won't," he whispered, "I won't."

"Join me. Gain real friends, friends you can trust and confide in. The other three you call friends betrayed you."

"They did not! They're the best friends ever! You know nothing about it!" he yelled in a sudden rage at Voldemort who insulted the other three of the tight group.

"Then why are you here when they're back at Hogwarts, safe and sound? They left you here, Peter. Whether or not you wish to believe it, it's true," said the Dark Lord.

Tears burned in the boy's eyes. "They didn't leave me here! They-they thought something happened to me. James and Sirius and Remus wouldn't ever leave me behind!" he sobbed, his voice getting quieter at the minute. "They - they thought -," but he left the sentence off there for his cries overtook him. He bowed his head. "I don't care," he said softly and then looked up at Voldemort. "But I still won't join you, I won't, not ever."

The man's piercing gaze bore into Peter's eyes. "You will, boy, you will. I can help you, I'll be like the father you never had and never knew. I'll be there for you and help you. I'll gain you all the glory you could ever want. " At this statement, Peter averted his eyes for the pain in his heart was unbearable.

"Don't talk about my father," he commanded Voldemort. "I hate you! I don't want anything to do with you! I don't want to join you and I never will, never!" yelled the boy.

By now, Voldemort had had enough. He muttered a soft, "Crucio," and through the wand pointed at Peter, a blast of light shot through and hit the boy full in the chest. With a scream, he fell to the floor, twitching and convulsing in intolerable pain. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the curse was lifted, but Peter lay on the floor, still jerking violently. When the jerks and twitches stopped, Voldemort said, "Will you join me now?"

Gasping for breaths that hurt to inhale, the boy whispered, "No, never."

"Then I'll have to make you," said the Dark Lord as he pointed his wand at Peter once again.

~*~

He muttered a soft, "Alohomora," to open the window. He and Lily rode inside the dormitory and in exhaustion, she fell upon her bed. Tears streamed down her face and James looked at her. She closed her eyes. He watched her for quite some time before he noticed that she had fallen asleep. He crept down the steps and was just on time to see Sirius, Hallie, Remus, and Requillo walk through the portrait hole.

Sirius' head was bowed and Hallie was half asleep and leaning against Requillo. Remus, looking like a living zombie, was walking dully. "Hi, guys," James said softly.

Sirius' head shot up and his eyes widened. "Are you all right? Nothing happened to you and Lily right? Where is she? What happened?" he asked, shooting question after question.

James smiled. "She's upstairs asleep and nothing much happened. What happened with you?" he wondered in turn.

Sirius smiled and looked at Hallie and Requillo. The older man winked and picked her up for she had fallen asleep on the couch while the two boys were talking. "I'll just bring her upstairs. Where's her room?"

"Up the right staircase and it's the first room," replied Sirius. Requillo nodded and left. "Nothing happened with us," he said to James. The other boy gave him a look. "Well, Hallie did find her dad." James grinned. There was a short silence for there was nothing more to be said. James' gaze then fell upon Remus.

"Remus, are you all right?" he wondered. The other boy didn't move an inch; he didn't even stir one bit. Puzzled, James shot a look to Sirius who looked back at him. Their eyes locked and James read something in his eyes.

Sirius walked over to Remus. "Come on, buddy, you should get some rest," he said and helped the other boy up. James watched them go up the steps.

Just then, Professor Dumbledore stepped in through the portrait hole. "Hello, Mr. Potter. How are you this evening?" he asked casually.

James looked at him for a short moment before answering with a soft, "Fine."

Albus smiled and looked around. "You haven't happened to see Mr. Requillo, have you?" he questioned. James pointed up the steps. The ancient man nodded his head. "Thank you." And then he went to the designated place just as Requillo was climbing down the staircase. "Oh! Wonderful!" exclaimed Dumbledore.

The other man looked at him, his face expressionless. "Hello," said he.

Albus beamed at him. "Please follow me, sir, to my office." Requillo shot a look at James who gave the slightest of nods to assure the man he'd be okay. Professor Dumbledore then led the way out.

~*~

They sat in silence for a short while as Albus surveyed Requillo and Requillo did likewise. "It seems to me you've fallen back into perspective," said Albus, breaking the silence.

Requillo looked at him sharply. "How do you know that, sir?"

That strange smile of knowing played on the older man's lips. "You haven't been yourself, lately, Requillo, but slowly, I believe, your memoirs are coming back into your memory," continued Albus as if he hadn't heard the question. And then there was a short silence, as Requillo looked at the aged man before him in curious wonder. At last, Dumbledore said, "Your daughter has missed you."

Requillo swallowed. "I've missed her too, sir."

"You've reunited at last," said Albus. The other man nodded for that lump in his throat had returned. "Would you mind staying here for the time being? I believe it would be the best for you and your daughter."

"For me?" asked Requillo.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. Lord Voldemort will be in a furious hunt for you after the previous events." Though Requillo was puzzled at how this man could know about all that had happened, he just nodded. "I've had your room set and furnished, hopefully for your liking. If you've anything you wish to change, just ask. You may roam anywhere about the school. I do, however, suggest you try and be a bit inconspicuous around the children. Those of them that know what you look like with get quite a shock." With that, Albus stood up and told Requillo to follow him to the appointed room.

~*~

At last, Requillo was alone. He had not lost everything, he found, for he had unearthed part of the life he once had. Hallie was alive, but Cassandra was not. That he knew. He didn't remember it all too well, but what had happened the night of his wife's death was still in the memory of the dark part of his life.

Flashback:

"Follow me, Requillo, and we will destroy your past to make way for your future," said Lord Voldemort with a small smile on his lips.

Because his memory was lost to him, Requillo knew not what else to reply except to nod for he did not know what his master was speaking of. But master, was that what the man before him was? He had been with the man called Voldemort for quite some time now, but for how long? - He did not know. There was a piece of something like trust for the evil man in Requillo, because he didn't know what else to feel. But the main feeling in him was distrust and hate towards him. He shook his head to push the thought away and did what the Dark Lord did. He apparated, with his broom still in hand, to the stadium in which the woman named Cassandra Amelia Forester was performing at.

Requillo hovered in the air above the stage for a moment to watch her. She was beautiful. Her hair was a midnight black and her lovely hazel eyes sparkled with a fierce life brought out when she did what she loved, and that was to perform. Who was this woman? She brought a feeling in his heart that made it wrench with something like pain, but a good pain.

"Come, Requillo, follow me!" yelled Voldemort over the ruckus of the crowd. He pointed his wand at the stage and muttered a curse. The platform exploded with a large bang and pieces of it went flying. There were screams and people below running to escape the sudden attack. Swarms of groups of Death Eaters cloaked in black robes flew on brooms around, causing havoc and terror to the throng of men and women. His eyes dilated at the horror of the scene and his mind told him to do something, but what was he to do?

Voldemort motioned him to fly down onto the remains of the stage. He did so and landed beside whom he was supposed to call master. "Look at her," said he. "Look at the woman of your past." Requillo did as the Dark Lord told him. The woman was on the ground. Her hair was messed and she was pale as the moon. When she saw him, her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth.

"Requillo!" she exclaimed in such anguish that his heart went out to her. It was filled with terror and deep emotions of love and adoration for him. He reached out his hand to help her up but Voldemort hit him aside. Requillo stumbled and looked at him with a glare. He pointed his wand at the Dark Lord, ready to curse the man who got between him and this woman that obviously could help recall his memory to him.

"Kill her, Requillo," commanded Voldemort with a smirk. The woman screamed in fright and backed away.

"Requillo, don't, don't, please, it's me, don't you remember?" she asked him. Slowly she stood to look at him with pleading eyes. "I'm your wife, I love you, please remember me. Please say something. Say you remember me." He looked at her in desperation, wishing he could say that he did, but he didn't, he didn't remember her. She gazed at him with tears forming in her eyes, then turned to look accusingly at Voldemort. "What did you do to him you horrible man! What have you done?" she shrieked. She marched up and slapped the man of evil across the face.

He just smiled in a craze and backed away one step. "All right then, Requillo, if you don't do it, I will." Voldemort pointed his wand at Cassandra and said, "Avada Kedavra!"

Requillo covered his eyes from the blinding flash of green light. When he blinked them open, he saw a sight that made him sick. The woman that said she loved him was sprawled lifelessly upon the remains of the stage. Her eyes stared blankly up at him. Those lovely eyes would never leave him.

He turned to Voldemort. "What have you done?" he yelled.

Voldemort turned to look at him. "You're a disgrace. After all the things I've done for you. I've taught you so much, and it has been a waste," he said. "It is of no matter, however, you will learn." He took hold of the other man's arm and transported them back to where they came from.

The last thing Requillo saw before he disapparated was his wife's unblinking eyes, looking at him.

End Flashback.

Requillo shook his head and laid it down on the soft pillow. Tears came to his eyes so he closed them, but the image of his wife staring blankly at him did not leave. He tried to turn his thoughts elsewhere. His mind roamed to Hallie. "My daughter," he whispered. Those two simplistic words brought more tears to his eyes, but they were more of joy than the sorrow that filled his heart. His voice was overflowed with emotions that he could not organize. The poor man's heart wrenched inside of him.

Slowly, Requillo's eyes close and he fell into a deep sleep.

~*~

"Don't worry," he said with a smile, "I'll be back before you know it." Cassandra sighed and looked up at him with the large hazel eyes that he loved so much. There was a short silence as he looked at her lovingly. "Love you," he whispered.

"Love you too," she said back to him, ever so softly. "I'm going to miss you." He put his arms about her small frame and hugged her to him. She in turn put her arms around his neck and sighed, leaning against him. "Promise me you won't be gone for long."

With a smile, he pulled away slightly and nodded. "I don't think I could last being away from you," he said.

She laughed. Her eyes glowed with love for him and happiness with being with the man she loved. He smiled serenely, taking in the feeling of warmth he felt at that moment. "You're too much, Requillo," she said to him with laughter in her voice. He pulled her to him again. There were the pats upon the floor telling them that someone was coming down the steps. A little girl appeared at the stairway and they smiled. "Come here, honey," said Cassandra.

The youth ran over and laughed as her father picked her up. He tickled her and his wife stepped back to watch the scene in content. Life was wonderful, everything was fine. Her career was going well and her family was just the type of family she had always dreamed of. Nothing could go wrong, and no one could come between the bond of her family, but she was wrong, ever so wrong.

"Are you going to say goodbye to daddy, Hal?" asked Requillo with an adorable smile that made Cassandra's heart melt.

Hallie laughed. "Goodbye, daddy. You're going to come back soon, right?" she asked with a coquettish smile.

He grinned. "Of course."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Swear?"

"Swear," replied Requillo with a laugh. This routine was cute to him for he and his daughter shared it every time his work obliged him to leave. He kissed her nose as he did his wife. "Goodbye now, Hal." He set her upon the floor and gave one last kiss to Cassandra before turning to the door. The man turned the knob but felt something tug on his pant leg. He looked down to find his daughter's arms wrapped about his leg.

"Stay for a little longer?" she said, looking up at him with eyes the same as his. His heart turned inside him and he kneeled down.

"Don't worry, I promised you I'd be back, and I will. I'll just be gone for a short while," he told her. There was a honk outside telling him to hurry. With a last kiss to his favorite girls, he walked away, his heart filled with contentment and happiness. This was the life he had always dreamed of. He'd do his job, and after only a few days, he'd go back home. Though later he would see his family again, it would not be in the way he thought.

Nothing would ever be the same again.

~*~

Remus tossed in his sleep, unable to remove the image of her staring up at him. Inside him, his heart felt as if one million swords were piercing him and he could not do a thing about it. He cried out into the dark, yelling for her to come back, but it didn't help.

Sirius blinked his eyes open and sat there, trying to get accustomed to the dark. He heard Remus shout. "Come back! Don't leave me!" The boy got up and walked over to where his friend lay, tossing and turning, lost in nightmares.

"Remus," Sirius whispered, shaking the other boy, "Remus, wake up, it's just a dream."

Remus sat up, his chest heaving with sobs, his face tear-stained. He pulled his knees to his chest and cried. Sirius sat next to him, not knowing what to do. "It wasn't a dream, Sirius," murmured Remus, his voice still trembling. "She's gone and she's not coming back."

Sirius bit down on his lip and closed his eyes as he took a deep sigh. "She's watching over you now, she always will. You just have to remember that." Remus nodded, but his friend's words were of little consolation.

"Thanks, Sirius." The other boy, feeling useless, just got up and went back to his own bed. Remus lied down once again and hugged a pillow to him, his eyes wide and staring into the darkness.

~*~

"Please, Fate, please?" asked Lydia. The angelic woman looked at the young girl whose eyes pleaded with such emotion that Fate had to give in.

"If you wish," was the whispered reply.

Lydia smiled with tears in her eyes. On her heavenly cloud, she whispered a few words and fell, soaring downwards. Her lovely wings spread and let the wind carry her down to the ground. The aura of brilliant light trailed after her wherever she went. Finally, she landed beside him. Crystal tears fell from her eyes as she looked at him tenderly. "Remus," she whispered. "Remus, I'm here."

~*~

No Mountains too high, for you to climb
All you have to do is have some climbing faith, oh yeah
No rivers too wide, for you to make it across
All you have to do is believe it when you pray

He sat up with a start and looked around. Seeing no one and nothing, he lied back down again with another sob. Now he was hearing things.

"Remus, I'm here," came the whisper again.

And then you will see, the morning will come
And everyday will be bright as the sun
All of your fears cast them on me
I just want you to see...

He jumped up with wide eyes. The poor boy stood, but fell back on his bed again for his legs wouldn't hold him up. "Lydia?" he cried softly. "Lydia, where are you?"

I'll be your cloud up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel

She smiled and wiped looked at him lovingly. "Fate, please," she whispered, looking heavenwards.

"Only for you," came the reply.

Remus, who had heard all, looked up to see the bright white light. And then it was darkness again. In its place left the girl that he wished to see. "Lydia," he murmured in disbelief. "Is it you?"

She smiled and nodded at him. "I love you," she said. They embraced and she ran her fingers through his hair as he cried into her robes.

And when all hope is gone, I'm here
No matter how far you are, I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel
I'm your angel

"I love you too, I miss you so much," he cried. They pulled slightly apart to look at each other. Both had tear-stained faces of joy at seeing each other once again.

"I miss you too. But I'm here, and I'll watch over you always," she whispered to him.

"Lydia," came the angelic voice from above. "You must come back." Remus looked heavenwards, then to Lydia who had silent tears streaming down her face. She gazed at him with her beautiful hazel eyes. The light shined down over her like a spotlight. Lydia put her hand on both his cheeks and kissed him with all the love she had for him.

I saw the teardrops, and I heard you cry
All you need is time, seek me and you shall find
You have everything and you're still lonely
It doesn't have to be this way, let me show you a better day

And then you will see, the morning will come
And all of your days will be bright as the sun
So all of your fears, just cast them on me
How can I make you see...

When they parted, Remus cried harder. "Lydia, no, please, don't leave me." But she just shook her head with solemn eyes.

I'll be your cloud up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel
And when all hope is gone, I'm here
No matter how far you are, I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel
I'm your angel

She started to rise, looking down at him. Her tears fell down her cheeks and fell to the floor, leaving drops of crystals in their wake. "Lydia! No!" cried Remus desperately. He stood and supported himself on the post of his bed. "Please! Please, I'll do anything, just don't leave me!"

And when it's time to face the storm
I'll be right by your side
Grace will keep up safe and warm
And I know we will survive

And when it seems as if your end is drawing near
Don't you dare give up the fight
Just put your trust beyond the sky...

And just before she disappeared, Remus heard her whisper, "I'll love you forever."

~*~

I'll be your cloud up in the sky
I'll be your shoulder when you cry
I'll hear your voices when you call me
I am your angel
And when all hope is gone, I'm here
No matter how far you are, I'm near
It makes no difference who you are
I am your angel
I'm your angel

Courtesy to Celine Dion for "I'm Your Angel"

~*~

Sirius sat up looked around. What he heard were anguish filled sobs that tore at his heart and what he saw just as he opened his eyes was a bright flash of life. He could have sworn he saw Lydia's face, but shook his head to push the thought aside. Slowly, he sung his legs of the side of his bed and crept to the one across from his. "Remus? Are you all right?" he wondered softly.

Remus turned over and stuffed his head under his pillow. "Leave me alone!" he yelled and fell into more sobs.

Sirius, hearing the pain present in his friend's voice, knew that he should wait a while before trying to console Remus. Feeling wide awake and as if he wouldn't be able to fall asleep again, he quietly made his way out of the dormitory and down the steps to the common room.

Coincidentally, he heard footsteps on the opposite steps and looked up to see who it was. Hallie he looked at him drowsily. Her cheeks were rosy from sleep and her features still pale. "What're you doing up?" he asked.

She smiled. "Just - um, looking for-for my dad," she replied. She was level with him now and he put his arm around her waist. Slowly, she leaned her head on his shoulder. "It seems so strange to say it," she said with a sigh. He nodded and leaned his own on hers.

"Aren't you tired?" he wondered softly. She nodded and a chuckle escaped from his lips. "Why don't you go back to sleep then?"

She shrugged and closed her eyes. He led her over to the couch. Then his eyes started to droop and feel unusually heavy. He heard her breathing become even and slow; she had fallen asleep. With a smile upon his face, he too, fell asleep.

~*~

Requillo sat up and looked around. His eyes were moist with tears and he brushed them away. Slowly he stood up and made his way down the hall. The sun was just starting to rise and a streak of light was in the sky. Then he saw someone walking down the hallway. He was about to run and hide when he found that it was the professor he had met the other day. "Er, hello," she said. "What are you doing up this early?"

He covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a yawn. "Looking for Hallie," he responded.

She nodded. "The common room is down this hall and the password is Flobberworms." He grinned and thanked her. Then he continued down the hall. He saw a down the corridor many paintings, and, from his years here at Hogwarts, he remembered which one was the Gryffindor entrance painting.

"Flobberworms," he said to the Fat lady. She yawned loudly and permitted him in. "Thank you." He stepped in and felt a smile tug at the ends of his mouth at the sight. His daughter was sprawled on the couch next to the boy whose name he recalled as Sirius. Deciding not to awaken them, he turned to go but he heard a voice call out.

"Er - it isn't what you think."

With a broad smile, Requillo turned back around to see the boy looking at him out of wide yet groggy eyes. "What isn't what I think?" he asked looking at Sirius steadily.

The boy squirmed uncomfortably under the older man's gaze, but when Hallie yawned and then buried her head into his shoulder; he stopped moving to look at her gently. Then he looked up at Requillo and blushed. "Um - well, this."

The older man laughed inwardly at the 'caught' expression upon the younger man's face.

"No, I believe that this is exactly what I think it is," he said.

Sirius looked at him in question. "What do you think it is?" he wondered.

Requillo just smiled and left leaving Sirius watching after him.

~*~

The next morning, James awoke bright and early. He sat up and opened his curtains to see Sirius' empty bed and Remus sitting up, looking out the window next to him. "Hey, Remus, you okay?"

Acceptance was in the other boy's eyes as he turned to look at James. "Yeah, I'm fine."

James licked his lips and averted his eyes. "Look, Remus - I-I'm -," but Remus cut him off.

"Sorry?" he asked softly. James looked at him sorrowfully but forced a smile and nodded. Remus shook his head. "It'll take time for me to be all right again...I doubt it'll ever really leave though. But I'm - I think, I think I'll be okay." He paused and then looked at James squarely. "James, you and I both are thinking of the same thing, aren't we," he said in an almost inaudible voice.

With tears in his eyes, James nodded and in a choked voice, he said, "Do you think he's okay?"

Remus forced a cheerful smile. "Peter? Of course he is, he's a Marauder isn't he?" And then his voice broke and he wiped away his own tears. "We have to do something," he concluded resolutely.

James got up. "And we will. Get dressed, I'll go find Sirius." Remus nodded and they went their separate ways. James ran down the steps and if he had been in a better mood, he would have grinned or laughed out loud, but since he was particularly down and sad, he just wiped away more tears that came to his eyes. "Sirius," he whispered, shaking the other boy lightly on the shoulder.

Sirius swapped him away with the wave of a hand. James shook him harder making the boy blink his eyes open and glare at him. "I'm trying to sleep." And then the lids fell over the eyes and he fell into another deep slumber. With a small frown, James shook Sirius as if trying to wake him from death. The other boy jumped up with a start and Hallie made a muffled sort of shout as she fell of the couch.

"Ugh," she said and sat up, rubbing her side. "Who did that?" she asked with a scowl.

"Sorry, Hallie, but I need to talk to Sirius," apologized James. She gave him a look, and then went up the steps to her dormitory.

Sirius sat up and frowned saying, "Thanks a lot." He then saw the serious expression upon his friend's face. "James, go away," he said.

The other boy bit down on his lip saying, "Sirius..."

He shook his head. "Go away, I've had enough of everything. I was perfectly fine before all this was happening and now you come in telling me to jump right back into it right when I was content and asleep on the couch with a girl. That doesn't happen very often, and you know it. But still, you have to tell me to get up at this ungodly hour to shoot back to that stupid god forsaken castle! Well I won't! Just leave me alone!" And then Sirius turned over and buried his head in his pillow.

With a soft sigh, James stood up and turned to walk away with a defeated expression upon his face when he heard Sirius say, "James, wait." He turned around and saw Sirius sitting up. The other boy's face was filled with dread and heart wrenching pain that James wished he could just say 'that's okay, just stay here, I can go on my own,' but he knew he couldn't say it truthfully. It would be another dangerous journey. "When," Sirius swallowed, "When do we leave?" he asked in a whisper, looking away. In his voice was such pain that made James take one step back.

"Now, if it's okay," he replied. Sirius nodded, and without looking at him, walked up the steps to get changed and get his broom and wand. James watched after him feeling sorry. Sirius was taking this very hard.

After a few short minutes, James saw Remus and Sirius come down. They crept out of the common room and out of the castle.

They were on their way back to Slytherin Castle.

~*~

They were mounted on their brooms when suddenly there was a forceful gust of wind. James was knocked from his broom and watched as it went flying backwards. To his astonishment, there he saw Professor Dumbledore looking at the three boys sternly. "Where, may I ask, are you three going?" he asked in a calm voice.

Remus stood and helped his other two friends up. "Er -," started James. "Just-just taking a - um, ride."

Dumbledore looked at them serenely. "Please follow me to my office," he said. He then turned on his heels and started walking back into the school. The three boys looked at each other, and then they followed.

~*~

"You will not go after Mr. Pettigrew," said Professor Dumbledore, once inside his office.

James abruptly stood, looking at him out of narrowed eyes. "He's our friend!" he exclaimed. "What do you expect us to do? Sit here safe and warm while he's with Voldemort? I don't think so!"

The headmaster just shook his head. "It's too dangerous. I will not risk three of my students' safety. I have contacted the Ministry and they are doing all they can to save Mr. Pettigrew."

Remus gave him a look. "Headmaster, you and I both know the Ministry is not doing a thing. Their hands are tied with trying to actually find Voldemort. How will they help Peter when they don't even know where to look?"

Professor Dumbledore looked at him, then to James. His eyes then landed on Sirius who was looking wistfully out the window. "Do you have anything to say, Mr. Black?" he asked, in curiosity.

Sirius turned to look at him, then to his two friends, and then back at the headmaster. "You can't stop us from trying to save him," was the simple reply. Albus' eyebrows shot up and his eyes twinkled with humor. "I mean you no respect, but all of us in here now that Peter can't withhold whatever Voldemort is throwing at him, no matter how brave he tries to be, he will crack, if he hasn't already. Professor Dumbledore, if he's going to be saved, we have to go now." His voice was soft, yet determined.

"What he says is logical," said James and Remus nodded.

"Though it may be, gentleman," said the headmaster, "It is not at all safe. You don't know the extent of the Dark Lord's powers. If you know not what he can do, you know not what he will do. I forbid any of you to try to escape the boundaries of this school to find Lord Voldemort and I will have you closely watched. I am doing all I can to get Mr. Pettigrew back. Knowing him, he will be fine for the time being, I assure you." The three boys looked enraged.

James was clenching and unclenching his fists. The headmaster dismissed them and they walked out. Once they were out of his office, James made a noise of aggravation. "The nerve of him! He-he can't - who does he think he is?" he wondered loudly, looking at his friends. He took note that Sirius' midnight black eyes were stormy with anger.

Remus placed a consoling hand on his shoulder. "We've got the Marauder's Map, he doesn't," he said softly.

James looked at him for a second before grinning broadly. "Remus, you're a genius." He licked his lips and rubbed his hands together. "Tonight, at eleven thirty, in the common room, all right?" Remus nodded.

They looked to Sirius who didn't look at him but faced ahead with a poker face. His eyes still burned with fire. "You know you don't even have to ask," he said quietly.

James smiled and with a resolute expression, he said, "Tonight then, we'll leave tonight."

~*~

Hallie sighed and sat up from her bed as she turned to Lily who was reading. "Lily..." she started.

The other girl looked up from the book she was reading and looked at her friend. "Hallie..." she said with a smile. The other girl sighed in melancholy. "How's your health?" asked Lily.

Hallie shook her head. "The worst." She ran a hand through her hair. "I'm bored."

Lily laughed. "Well, let's go find the guys then."

They went down to the common room where the three boys were huddled in a far corner, discussing something or other. When they stepped in, however, their hushed whispers immediately ceased and they looked up.

"Er - hi," said Hallie. Secrets, secrets...she thought.

James looked at them both and swallowed. "Hey, guys. What's new?"

Lily grinned and shook her head. "Nothing, come on, Hal, let's go." The other girl shrugged and followed her out of the common room.

James leaned in to the others when the two girls were out of the room. "So how are we going to get out?"

Remus smirked in his own mischievous way. "I know a way, no one will be the wiser."

~*~

"They're hiding something," stated Lily.

Hallie grinned and rolled her eyes heavenward. "Gee, I hadn't noticed..." Lily swatted at her playfully. The other girl's face sobered. "You know what they're talking about, don't you?"

Lily nodded. "And we're going to follow them out. Meet me in the common room at 11:00 tonight. We're not letting them go alone."

~*~

Peter blinked his eyes open and immediately shut them. It even hurt to see out of them. To be more precise, pains were all over him that he could barely move, let alone breath.

And then he felt something nudge him.

"Open your eyes, boy," said a cruel voice. Peter groaned and turned over but gasped when his left shoulder hit the ground. "I will not repeat this again, open your eyes, Wormtail." The boy flinched when the Dark Lord pronounced his nickname.

He opened his eyes and a moan escaped his lips. Voldemort smirked down at him and flicked his wand. Peter was levitated into the air and onto his feet. His legs felt as if they would give way at any moment for they were as solid as Jell-O. It amazed him that he didn't collapse.

Voldemort looked at the small plump boy before him. Peter looked pathetic. His eyes were feverish and flaming with illness while he was as white as a sheet and still paling. The boy's clothes were in rags and there were cuts and bruises all about his body.

Voldemort placed a black opal into Peter's hand and immediately, the boy felt as though his hand was pulling him through a portal. He was half-unconscious so he barely knew what was happening.

And then he was at Hogwarts.

He stumbled and fell. The mixed colors of green, blue, and purple swirled together until it all became blackness.

~*~

Lily stood up and walked over to Hallie's bed. There, she shook the girl. "What do you want?" asked Hallie drowsily. Lily grinned. "Is it time already?"

"Yeah, come on." With a sigh, the other girl did as was told. They crept down the steps just in time and quickly hid in a crook towards the right side of the common room. They were just in time for the three boys were just coming down the steps that led to the boys' dormitories.

"Ok, let's go," said James. The other two followed him out of the room and once they stepped out of the portrait hole, the two girls crept out of the nook and followed.

Then they were walking down a hallway and were led outside. There, they saw the boys in front of the Whomping Willow that had been planted in their first year. Remus stood before it with such an expression of pain and dread of it, that the other boys put their hands on his shoulders. He smiled at them and then turned and walked away from it.

They mounted the brooms they held until a voice suddenly called out of the darkness. "Do not leave yet, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, and Mr. Lupin." The three boys suddenly turned around with wide eyes.

"H-Hello, Professor," said Sirius with a shaky yet charming smile. Professor McGonagall came walking towards them.

"The headmaster said you would be here," she said with a stern look. "You will not leave the grounds of this castle."

James looked at her evenly but with a fire glowing within the depths of his gaze. "Yes, we will. Peter's our friend."

The professor looked compassionate, but her stern look remained. "That he may be, but the journey you are wishing to make is one far too dangerous for children of your age."

"Children! We're fifteen years old!" said Remus indignantly.

Suddenly, there was a fierce gust of wind and then when it had passed, there was a groan some few feet away. Professor McGonagall's eyes widened and she held out her arm to stop the boys from moving towards the figure that was sprawled upon the ground. "E-excuse me," she whispered. "Are-are you all right?"

The person tried to sit up, but sank back onto the ground in pain. James rushed forward and knelt down beside the figure and gave a yell of surprise. "Peter!"

Lily turned to Hallie and they rushed out of the shadows that they were hiding in. "Peter?" they said simultaneously.

Professor McGonagall came forward and conjured a stretcher. "You'll be all right, Mr. Pettigrew." And to the rest she said, "Let us go back into the school. He needs to go to the hospital wing."

~*~

They sat silently, listening to Peter tell his story to the headmaster. When the poor boy found he couldn't speak well, he broke into sobs. When he tried to control himself, and found he couldn't, he sobbed all the more. Hallie and Lily stared at him with wet and wide eyes while the boys gaped at him in horrified sympathy.

Professor McGonagall shook her head and told them to leave. Once they were outside, she told them to 'run along to the common room'. They did so and once there, Lily gaped at James. "What did they do to him?" she asked.

He just closed his eyes as he shook his head and sat down. "I don't know," he whispered. "But he's here now, and he'll be fine."

~*~

A week passed by and they were not allowed to see Peter who remained in the hospital wing. They were in their potions class when they saw him on his first day out of his isolation. "Peter!" exclaimed James, jumping up.

"Mr. Potter, take your seat. Mr. Pettigrew, you're late," said Professor Rosier.

"Er-I-I came from the hospital wing and-," stammered Peter.

"Yes, I know that, and under the present circumstances, I will not take any points for tardiness. Now take your seat."

As they started their potions, Hallie leaned over and said, "Peter, are you all right?" He smiled and nodded. She gave him a big hug.

Lily then leaned over and said, "We were all so worried about you." And she too gave him a hug.

Sirius looked at him gravely. "They tried to make you one of them, didn't they," he said.

Peter nearly choked, but nodded in assent. Remus grinned. "We're proud of you, Peter, for holding out like you did."

James nodded. "And you're back too! Safe and sound!"

Peter smiled and tried to look happy, but inside, he was in torture. Was he still the same Peter Pettigrew he was before they tried to turn him? Did he hold out?

No. He did not.

~*~

Time passed by without many events. Though, Lydia's funeral did take place. Remus was able to keep his self-control, but the following few nights, he cried himself to sleep. It would be a long time before the pain would wash away, if ever it did.

~*~

James sat in the armchair on the hearth, just waiting. Then he heard the footsteps. He smiled for he knew who it was, he knew because he had heard the soft pats on the wooden floor that she made every night she came down to talk to him. He stood up and she smiled at him. "Hi," she said quietly. He held out his hand and she put her smaller one in his.

A shiver ran up her spine when they touched. Though she was cold, warmth overcame her when her hand touched his. He squeezed it with a smile and they took a seat before the fire. "What did you want to talk about?" Lily wondered, somewhat cautiously.

He smiled. "Lily, will you be my girl friend?"

~*~

The next morning, they all sat at the breakfast table except Sirius who came in late. He slammed the doors open and plopped himself onto his seat amid stares from many in the room. "Sirius," said James with a small smile. "Everyone's staring at you."

The boy looked around and grinned. "So they are." He took another bite and then looked at his best friend thoughtfully. "They're probably admiring my good looks." At this comment, Hallie smacked him upside the head. He wagged his finger at her. "Tisk tisk, remember the last time you did that?" She just laughed and rolled her eyes.

Remus looked at him for a moment before saying, "Sirius, I just remembered our little bet."

The other boy dropped his fork with a clang. "Bet?" Sirius asked.

James and Peter looked at each other. Peter said, "Oh, yeah! But, didn't he win?"

Sirius looked at Remus expectantly, yet with an air of victory. "No, he didn't," said James.

Remus grinned. "That's right, he broke it off the day before!" Sirius nearly choked on his sausage.

"So...what was the losing side of the bet again?" asked Peter with a cruel smile. Sirius shot dagger looks at him. The other boy just laughed.

"Pink dress! Pink dress!" exclaimed James.

Sirius put his head in his hands. "Oh dear god..."

~*~

The next day, James said, "Come on out, Sally!"

There was a groan on the other side of the bathroom door. The group laughed. "Come on, Sirius," said Hallie. "How bad can it be?"

The door suddenly clattered open and there was Sirius, looking absolutely ridiculous in his pink dress. His muscular features definitely stood out by the slim figure of the dress. Remus was even kind enough to add pretty flowers and bows to it. Sirius' face was ghostly white though there was a rosy tinge to his cheeks because of embarrassment. The boy's midnight black eyes radiated fury. "Absolutely stunning, dear," said Andrea who had sneaked up behind them.

Sirius' eyes widened to the size of tea saucers. "Andrea, if you tell a soul I swear I'll -," but she cut him off.

"Bye!" she said with a gleeful smile.

Sirius groaned and sat on the floor with a 'thump', the dress flowering around him. Hallie took a seat next to him. "You look beautiful, Sirius," she said with an angelic smile. He glared and swatted at her, but she ducked and laughed. "You're the one who made the bet," she said softly, "not me."

Lily came over and said, "Sirius, did you take that dress from my closet?" with her hands on her hips.

Another pained groan escaped his lips. "My life is ruined..."

~*~