you make your own destiny

chapter 9

It was dead silent in the throne room. A thump caused

everyone to jump, seeking the source of the noise.

A few moments and they saw that Wormtail lay

unconscious on the floor.

"Well, I wasn't expecting that," Voldemort said, "but

that he has double crossed me is a bit of a surprise

as well."

"That rat? He couldn't have done that. He's too

stupid," Bellatrix exclaimed.

"I thought so too, but now I have reliable proof. He

is a spy, most likely one of Dumbledore's."

All of the Death Eaters were still, hardly daring to

breathe.

"Severus, you have the Veritserum?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, master," he answered.

"Crabbe, tie him," Voldemort barked. "Severus,

administer the potion and wake him up."

"It shall be done," they both replied.

Five minutes later, Peter was trussed to a chair,

awake and trembling with fear. He knew what was to

come.

"What is your name?" Voldemort questioned.

"Peter Pettigrew," he answered, his voice empty and

expressionless.

"Born?"

"1959."

"Who do you work for?"

"Voldemort," he answered. "And Dumbledore."

"What?" Severus said, stepping forward.

"Quiet," Voldemort ordered.

"Where were you on October 30th, 1981?" Voldemort

asked.

"I was at Alastor Moody's house. I had received

orders from Dumbledore to follow Lily Potter because

he had a suspicious that James and Lily Potter were

joining your side."

"Does Dumbledore know about Alastor's role in this?"

"No, he doesn't."

"Why not?" Voldemort questioned.

"If I had, your daughter would be without a

protector."

"Then why didn't you try to protect Harry?"

"I know that Dumbledore didn't want to hurt Harry, as

least not yet. He is his best hope for defeating

you."

Harry felt the faint stirrings of anger start to

awaken. Voldemort seemed to detect it as well, for he

cast a warning look over his shoulder at him.

"Why did you want the Potters dead?" he asked,

returning his attention to Peter.

"James...he always thought he was better than me. So

did Sirius and Remus," he said bitterly. "I showed

them. It was I who framed Sirius for the murder of

the Potters. I put Bellatrix under the Imperius Curse

so she would kill Sirius during the attack in the

ministry."

"You bastard! He never did anything to you!" Harry

shouted.

"He simply lived. But it wasn't my idea. Dumbledore

came up with the idea, but it was Ron who suggested

the curse."

"Ron?" Hermione gasped. "He's crazy!"

"Crazy, no. Sick, yes. The Weasleys are in

possession of a genetic disease that makes them very

prone to influence."

"That's a lie. There is no such disease," Moody said.

"People don't want to see what's right in front of

them. It's an open family secret."

"What does Dumbledore think of this?" Voldemort asked.

"It suits his purpose," he said simply.

"Are there any other questions?" Voldemort said,

surveying the gathered people.

"Are you going to toture me?" Peter asked.

"No Peter. You're not worth it," Voldemort said,

drawing his wand.

"Avada Kadavra."

Peter slumped to the floor.

"Goyle, remove the body. Now to the more pressing

topics on our agenda."

"What about Potter and Miss Granger...when will they

be marked?" Goyle asked.

"They will not," Voldemort replied to everyone's

surprise.

"But-" Harry began.

"No Harry, it's too dangerous. If you are discovered,

I can't help you. Not that I wouldn't try," he added,

almost as an afterthought.

"I promised your parents I would look after you," he

continued. "I intend to do that even if you do not

join me."

"I will join you," Hermione said firmly.

"And you won't be alone," Harry said, throwing an arm

over her shoulders.