"We're getting married, mate," Sirius said with a smile, holding his new fiancé close.
James' eyes widened with excitement. "That's excellent! Congratulations, Padfoot!" Just then, Lily, James's wife, had walked into the small kitchen they supplied. She was carrying a few dirty dishes in from the dining table from dinner, just moments ago.
"Hello Sirius . . . Penny," she greeted with a smile before realizing the silence in the room, and James smiling, "What's going on?" She tapped her wand onto a rag which then began to clean the dishes on its own, before she turned to the guests.
"Sirius and Penny are getting married!" James said with a smile, even before Sirius had a chance to speak.
Lily grinned. "Congrats to both of you!" She gave Penelope a tight hug of high praise and a peck on Sirius's cheek. "When is it?"
Sirius and Penny both exchanged glance and back at the couple. "Well, we're unsure, but it will be sometime next year, given the circumstances. We've decided spring would be best if times start to look up," Penny answered, in her light tone. "And, we've also wanted to ask you: would you guys like to be Maid of Honour and Best Man? I know the groom is supposed to ask for his Best Man, but we've both agreed you two would be perfect. You've been so good to us, both."
The other couple exchanged glances and smiled. "We'd love to," James answered.
The room was filled with happiness and excitement. The air was commenced with wedding plans, things that hadn't crossed neither Sirius’s nor Penny's mind quite yet. She hadn't known whether they wanted an indoor or outdoor wedding or what colour flowers the bride wanted for her bouquet or who else to invite otherwise, besides Peter.
Sirius was surprised when he actually had to give thought on whether he wanted to invite Remus. It was only recently that they had their first real argument, a fight that Remus was a spy and Death Eater for You-Know-Who. They hadn't spoken since their graduation out of Hogwarts and given that he had succumbed to being a werewolf and given up chances that they'd ever talk to each other again. Sirius was suspicious, whether or not James and Lily were. He had told Remus a different location of the Potter family, in case of certain mishappenings.
The reason he stopped by was initially to talk to him about it.
When James and Sirius were alone and the women had stopped outside onto their deck in the back with two cups of tea and a drawn out conversation, he had thought to bring it up. They stepped into the drawing room when Sirius caught him by the shoulder.
"Listen, there's something I wanted to ask you," he said, in a hushed tone, so the others wouldn't hear.
James turned and cocked an eyebrow. "What is it, Pads?"
Sirius swallowed. "I don't . . . I don't believe I should be your Secret Keeper. It's just ---"
"Oh, c'mon. Not this again," James interrupted, running a hand through his already messy black hair.
"If you'd just listen --" he countered.
"I understand the circumstances, but you're perfect. There's nobody I'd trust than you. And, besides, who else can I trust?"
Sirius took a step forward. "It should've been Wormtail."
"Wormtail?"
Sirius sighed. It was a matter of getting his point across that he realized that Wormtail seemed the least likely of the candidates to become a Secret Keeper.
"Yeah," Sirius said, choosing his words wisely. "If you think about it, it's obvious the Death Eaters will come after me for information. Wormtail . . . is just . . . no one would suspect him. He has the capability to hold in the secret and no one will come around for it. Trust me on this, Prongs."
"Sirius," James said, lightly. Hearing him say his name sounded strange, for he was so used to his nickname, like it was a new person speaking to him. "You, honestly, think that we should change?"
He paused. Sirius wasn't as sure as when he planned it out at his new home. With a retaliating mindset, he was sure. He, finally, nodded.
James could see the torridness in his face, the kind of expression he hadn't seen often. The same expression he had given when he found that Regulus was being hunted.
James stepped forward. "This isn't because of Sheratana, is it?"
Sirius knew this to be partially true. "Of course, it is," he whispered. "Why else would I suggest it otherwise? If something happens to me or Penelope, she wouldn't have anywhere else to go but Penny's parents. I don't want to let that happen."
"Alright, mate. I'll let Lily know and I'll have a talk with Wormtail, alright?" he said, with a light clap on the back before exiting the room.
Sirius sighed, rethinking what just happened, but reassured himself that it was for the better.
31 OCT 1981 - 11:48 PM
"Wormtail wasn't there, Penny! I must go check on them," Sirius shouted, grabbing his coat.
"Sirius, I'm sure they're just fine! Wormtail is probably at the Potter's. Where else would he be?" Penny retorted, cleaning up several of Sheratana's toys.
"I don't know, but he wouldn't leave just on an evening stroll if he knew what was best for him," he said, putting his coat on.
Penny threw the toys onto the couch before confronting him. "Damn it, Sirius, you should know what was best for you and that's staying here! They are fine!"
"Peter would have stayed put knowing that James and Lily were safe. Just let me check upon them and I'll throw away this theory," Sirius said, trying to keep his voice calm. He threw on his jacket and proceeded out, leaving Penny struck.
1 NOV 1981 - 4:16 AM
Sirius walked into his home, dragging his feet. His face was damp with sweat and his hair fell over his eyes. He took off his jacket and threw it upon the chair, unable to move any more after.
Penelope was awakened by the sound of the door ajar. Looking askance from the light, she came into the drawing room, messy haired and wrinkled clothing. She found Sirius standing at the door way, almost in a gaze and pale with horror. "Sirius?" she asked, dryly.
Sirius's distressed eyes followed up to her, glinting in the candle light Penny left for him. He shook his head.
Penny moved closer. "Sirius? What's happened?" She put her arms on his shoulder, trying to catch his attention. He moved forward, sweeping her off of him.
"The Potter's . . . “he paused, almost unable to move on. "They're dead." It was hard to say. He could barely believe it.
Her hands clapped to her mouth instantly with a gasp. "No," was all she could say. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes as she walked toward Sirius.
He had tears already streaming down his cheeks when he turned around and hugged her, tightly. "They're gone," he added through sobs, repeating it to her in her shoulders.
2 NOV 1981 - 10:02 AM to 2:55PM
Sirius remained quiet when he awoke the next morning, just like he had the day before. He and Penny hadn't spoken a word to each other, in fear of touching the subject and the recent demise of the Potter's.
Today was Sheratana's first birthday. She seemed happy as if no worldly events took place, as if a dearest friend's life hadn't been taken. However, she hadn't known it was her birthday. Penny tried to make it special, but Sirius gazed at their fireplace for several hours at a time, without movement.
Things began to change when Sheratana had to take her afternoon nap. Penny wanted to comfort Sirius. She wanted him to be okay, to at least be happy for their baby's birthday, to find some comfort in her arms. He seemed irritable.
"Hun, do you want something to eat?" Penny asked from their kitchen. There hadn't been an answer. She entered the drawing room and faced him. "Anything?" No answer.
Sirius wanted to speak. He wanted to shout out his guilt for changing their Secret Keeper. Peter betrayed them. He was with the Dark Lord all this time. He couldn't believe that he sold them out. That little rat. He was nothing more than a rat. A slimy little . . .
He stood up and grabbed his coat, which sat on the chair untouched from the fateful night.
Penelope ran to stop him before he could walk out. "Sirius, where are you going?"
"Penny," he started, moving his mouth there-after, without saying anything. He sighed. "I'll be right back. Just . . . going for a walk." He lied, and got out of Penelope's grip. She could tell he was angry.
Presuming that he would be back and just needed time away to gather his thoughts, she thought nothing of it.
2 NOV 1981 3:01 PM
Sirius arrived at Godric's Hollow. He knew he couldn't possibly bear to see the remains of their old home, his best mate with his wife, and their child's old home. He walked the streets, hands in pockets, and his eye level down.
The city where he spent his last years of Hogwarts didn't seem as exciting as it was in the day. It seemed to missing something. A giant part of his happiness was lost there and when James . . . he could hardly think of it . . . part of him went with him.
He felt betrayed. He felt like he had betrayed James. He was, in fact, guilty. HIs best friend and his wife were dead, and to be buried tomorrow. But, he couldn't get Peter off his mind. He was the reason why his guilt lingered. He seemed to be on his mind so much that he could almost see him. Standing before him, as a rat, scurrying away for safety, suddenly realizing his was there and turning back into that ruthless man it revealed.
It was so vivid. The heartless and deceiving Death Eater stood before him and his characteristics resembling that of a pumpkin. His fat fingers up to his cheeks, shaking profusely, as Sirius stared him down. But, he was a mirage. Why would the little sneak decide to come back to Godric's Hollow? Sirius shook his head and continued to walk, eyes down to his feet; each footprint leaving something sentimental. He looked up again.
Peter, still, was shown backing up slowly, tripping on almost every foot and brick. His robes were burned at the hems whilst being filthy from the earth and mud. Sirius felt around for his wand in his pocket. He had a grip on the handle and his eyes darted near his target.
He was a mirage, Sirius kept telling himself. It didn’t matter whether he was an illusion, he would destroy him. He felt the heat rise in his face. He was a dead man, Peter was. He offered a sort of innocence in his expression, in hopes of forgiveness from Sirius. A small smile shown as he took one step closer. When Sirius moved forward, his fearful look returned only to react to his newfound enemy's grimace.
Sirius clenched his teeth and darted after him, finally brandishing his wand. Peter's eyes grew wide as he turned back and sprinted for a retreat and escape.
"Peter, get back here!" Sirius yelled after him. They ran for blocks upon blocks, several muggles in cars watching as they drove passed. "You killed them, Peter!"
Peter did a sharp turn, leading them into a dead end, houses only surrounding them. Sirius stopped several feet away, wand pointing in his direction, out of breath. "You killed them, Peter. Admit it. How else would Voldemort --"
"Y-You dare speak the Dark Lord's name, you blood traitor," he said, in his raspy tone, very much out of breath as Sirius. "YOU did, Sirius!"
"You insolent, little RAT. You're a sneak!" he bellowed, armed with his wand pointing at Pettigrew's throat.
Their yells could have been heard for blocks. Several people opened the windows to see what was going on. Only a few came outside in utter curiosity and perhaps angry that they were disturbing the peace. One man even went down his driveway near Sirius and Peter, angrily. He was middle aged, about a third bigger than Pettigrew with a giant black mustache and was balding.
"What the hell are you two on about? Can't you see some of us have children who just awoke from you two shouting? You, there," the man said, addressing Sirius, "What do you got there? A drumstick used as a weapon? I guess rock bands do have it bad."
Sirius's gaze kept on Pettigrew, ignoring the muggles. Several others stepped out onto the street once the man stepped back, crowding around them in a circle. Pettigrew smiled.
"What now, Sirius? You can't kill me with all these people," he addressed.
"Who said I can't?" Sirius spat, through his teeth. His hatred was repulsing from the sweat on his forehead.
Pettigrew whimpered.
"Okay, okay. Let's straighten this out, shall we?" said another man behind the first muggle who spoke. "We're going to call a policeman over and settle this entire thing. There's no need to kill anyone."
"Yes, Sirius, let's," Peter started, working off the muggle man's bravery. "We can tell everyone of your guilt. Of how you managed to escape with James and Lily Potter's bodies tied around your finger and how you sold them out to have them killed. The tables are turned on you now, Sirius." He let out a final crooked smile.
The muggles gasped and chattered within themselves.
Sirius's jaw dropped. "Damn it, Pettigrew!"
He took one step forward toward Peter, before he whipped out his own wand, a verbal less curse hitting the ground. An explosion, blasting everyone off their feet, including Sirius knocking him about eight feet off the ground, in the middle of the street. Black smoke filled the air, making it difficult to breath. Sirius covered his head, without letting his guard down of Peter or concrete debris falling.
It felt like ages before he could see what damage Peter's curse had inflicted.
Just as the denseness rose, he realized what had happened. Bodies covered the street lawns of all the muggles who took part. They were dead. Twelve in all, he counted.
A crater was indented into the street from the blast and Pettigrew was nowhere to be found.
Sirius was stricken. He couldn't possibly believe what had happened. He stood up to see the damage produced. Sirius let out an audible laugh. This was unimaginable. Pettigrew committed suicide.
Just as the thought occurred to him, he saw a rat. The familiar gray speck amongst the debris running for the sewers and in an instant, Sirius tried to catch up to him. He fell to his knees looking desperately for Pettigrew, trying to catch him before he could make his grand getaway.
Several loud cracks erupted. About six Aurors had arrived, casting a dark shadow over Sirius's search, wands drawn at his chest.
Sirius looked up at them and quickly stood hands up at shoulder length. He let out another laugh, as they all concluded that he had killed them all. "I hadn't," he said, "I swear. Check the rat . . . in the sewer! You believe it was me?"
2 NOV 1981 8:29 PM
Penelope sat rocking back and forth upon her hand crafted rocking chair. It was her parent's, made by her father who was a craftsman of sorts. He loved doing everything without magic as he grew older and wiser, when it came down to finding something in his free time. Her mother thought of him as 'going loony' as she put it, and yet never said anything to him, as she knew it made him happy.
She sat, rocking and wondering. Sirius wasn't back. It had been several hours. It was best to give him the space he needed before the funeral tomorrow, and yet, her hopes were that he just went out for a drink.
There was a knock at the door.
Penelope rose, in response and opened it to reveal two men in higher class robes, looking distraught. One was shorter than the other. The taller of the two had short tawny hair, his face young, yet strong. The other was lanky and an inch shorter, with long dark hair, tied in the back.
"May I help you?" Penelope answered.
"Yes, are you Ms. Blythe?" said the taller man.
"Oh, um. Yes," she answered. Her first reaction began to unfold.
"I am Rufus Scrimgeour, madam. I am head of the Auror of the Ministry of Magic. We are here to inform you a case involving a young Sirius Black. You know of him?"
Penelope's heart dropped. "Y-Yes. Oh, my gosh, what's happened?"
Rufus fixed his robes and folded his hands. "Sirius Black was arrested and taken to custody in Azkaban prison tonight around 3:40 PM today. For now, all we can consider as evidence is the murder of twelve muggles. One wizard may have been killed, we aren't quite sure."
Her jaw dropped. She could barely breathe. It didn't sound like something he would do . . . something he would brush over after his best friend had passed. Penelope looked over at the other Auror, hoping for some assistance.
"I am sorry, Ms. Blythe, but we are going to have to escort you to the Ministry of Magic for questioning ourselves," Rufus added.
"What? No, no. I have a baby I must attend to, I can't ---"
"We know, madam. You may take him or her along as well. Unless, of course, you can find a suitable nanny or nurse," the shorter man pointed out, his voice light.
Penelope sighed. "She may come, but she is sleeping, sir. I'll be out in a moment."
18 NOV 1981
