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Disclaimer: I do not nor will I ever own the Harry Potter story, characters, villains, heroes and creatures. I also sadly do not make any money off this story. Trust me; my bank account cannot lie about that.

Thanks to Nancy for her help as always!


O-------o--------o-------O

FLAMES OF BETRAYAL
By Marietsy

O-------o--------o-------O



CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO


Ron, deep in thought, walked into the castle. He was reviewing his meeting with Percy. Biting his bottom lip thoughtfully, he wondered if this Watcher group could really help them. He was curious about what they could offer. He would like to give them a chance, but understood that Harry was leery about letting people know he was not catatonic and unable to care for himself, even if it seemed that Percy and Elizabeth Cameron were already aware of that.

Ron walked into the den, and saw his dark haired friend reading a book by the fireplace. He cleared his throat. When Harry looked up and saw him, his face brightened. He put the book down, and looked at Ron expectantly.

"So, how did things go with Percy?" Harry asked.

Ron grinned at the memory, and he could see Harry's face relax. He realized then that the faint buzz of anxiousness in the bond had been Harry.

"The visit was good. In fact, it was great. There are a few things that you, I, Severus, Sirius need to go over. We have a few decisions to make," Ron explained.

"Is it something that will affect my future?" Harry asked warily.

Ron nodded his head and replied, "It could if you let it."

Harry gazed at him thoughtfully. "All right. How did Percy react in seeing you again?"

Ron's eyes grew a little misty. "He hugged me, Harry. He told me that even though I went through the Rite, I was still his brother. No law or Rite would change that. We were born with the same blood, and I would be his brother until we both died," he said emotionally.

Harry got up and walked over to his friend and brother. Harry pulled in him for a hug. "I'm glad, Ron. I know you disowned the Weasleys, but it has to be hard for you. You had eighteen years with them loving you, and to suddenly have them turn on you must've hurt," he said softly.

Ron nodded. "He found out about the abuse, Harry. He told me that if he had known, he would've done something about it. He would've come for me. He told me that I didn't deserve it. To hear him say that was just..." he choked up and Harry held him as Ron began to tremble.

Harry held him until Ron pulled away. He gave Harry a small grin. "Thanks, bro," he said.

Harry smiled and replied, "Not a problem, brother mine."

Ron looked at him and grinned. "You know, Percy considers you his brother now."

Harry looked at him, confused. "Huh? Why?"

"I told him about the Rite. He told me that if you have some of our blood in your veins then that makes you family. Since he considers me his brother by blood then so are you," Ron explained. "He's really sorry about his treatment of you. There was a reason for it. I think he would like a chance to apologize to you."

Harry stared at him with shock. "Ah, well isn't that interesting." He frowned slightly. "He really considers me a brother?"

Ron nodded and Harry took a deep breath. "Wow, that's...um...wow. I didn't expect that."

"Yeah, there's one Weasley out there that doesn't hate us. Who would've ever thought it would've been Percy," Ron pondered with bemusement.

"I'm beginning to think there is a lot more to Percy than we ever realized."

"Yeah, I agree," Ron said. He got misty eyed again and took a shuddering breath. Harry looked over at him and looked at him in concern.

"Sorry, it's just been so emotional. It's hard to understand why one member of the family still loves me while the others don't. What did I ever do to them?" Ron asked.

Harry squeezed Ron's shoulder gently. "You did nothing wrong, Ron. It wasn't your fault that they turned on you. You are a loyal, softhearted, loveable friend and brother. If they can't see it, then they don't need you in their lives," he said. Harry knew it was going to take a long time for Ron to get over the betrayal of his former family, if he ever did. Maybe Percy could help. He hoped so, because he hated seeing his brother in this much pain.

Harry looked up as he heard a noise at the door. He saw Severus looking at them with an ill hidden expression of concern.

"Are you all right, Ron," Severus asked.

Ron sniffed and stepped away from Harry. He looked at Severus and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. It was just a little emotional seeing Percy," he explained.

"Ah," Severus said in understanding. "Did things go well?" he asked as he walked over to the couch and sat down.

"Yeah, they did. I told Harry earlier there are some things we need to discuss. In fact..." Ron was interrupted by a voice coming from the doorway.

"Hey, look who Dobby let out of bed. Merlin, I was going crazy. I think Dobby got tired of me begging, and just let me go," Sirius said cheerfully as he walked into the room. He stopped and stared at their serious faces.

"Who died?" Sirius asked semi-jokingly.

"Nobody died Padfoot, we were just talking to Ron," Harry said.

"Oh, well, whatever it is looks serious." Sirius sat on the couch next to Severus, "What's up?"

"Good thing you're here. I was just about to suggest that we go to your room. I learned some things from Percy that I think you all should know," Ron said. "First off, Percy did indeed separate himself from the family because of Dumbledore. He knows exactly what kind of person the old codger really is. In fact, he's part of a group that has been watching Dumbledore for over fifty years."

Harry looked at him, his expression surprised. "Somebody knows about Dumbledore? Why hasn't anything been done? If they're watching him surely they would've gotten him by now."

"There's no definite proof. Percy told me that the Watchers have a list of possible things that Dumbledore has done, but there is no proof. Dumbledore is very careful about covering his tracks. Percy did tell me that someone had found evidence of his wrongdoings, but the man was killed, and the evidence was lost," Ron explained.

"Did Dumbledore kill him?" Severus asked.

Ron shrugged his shoulder and replied, "Not sure, but more than likely. Again, there was no proof that the Headmaster actually killed him."

"Do we know who it was and what kind of evidence it was?" Sirius asked with a frown.

"Percy didn't tell me. In fact, I don't think Percy knows. Individual Watchers don't know everything," Ron said.

Sirius and Severus nodded in understanding. "There would be less chance of leaks. If everyone knew everything, it would take torture of only one person to know everything about the Watchers," Severus said thoughtfully.

"That's what Percy said. There's also a Watcher in Hogwarts. The agent is part of the Order as well. Percy doesn't know who it is though, just that the name was Vates. He told me that Dumbledore was quite angry. Something to do with some presents he received this morning," Ron said, as he looked at a smug Severus.

They looked at Severus, and he gave them an arched look. "Yes?" he drawled.

"What did you do?" Sirius asked.

They watched as Severus began to snicker. "I didn't do it alone. Dobby helped me. That house-elf has quite a vicious streak," Severus said in amusement.

"Come on, spill. What did you two do?" Harry asked.

Severus grinned and began to explain what Dobby and he had done to their ex-employer. By the time he had finished his tale, Ron, Harry, and Sirius were laughing so hard they couldn't breathe. Severus looked at them smugly and they cracked up again.

Sirius hiccupped and looked at Severus with an appraising look. "You know in school, there were several pranks that were never explained. They were quite good too, but no one ever took credit for them. Was that you?" Sirius asked.

Severus looked over at him and smirked. "I'm not a Slytherin for nothing you know. It's amazing what you learn in potions class if actually pay attention.

Ron and Harry laughed at the disgruntled look on Sirius's face.

Severus looked at Ron and asked, "So, what else did Percy have to say?"

"He wants to set up a meeting between us and Elizabeth Cameron. She's in charge of the Magical Rites department, and she's his contact inside the Watchers. She brought Percy into the group. Apparently the Watchers are quite eager to meet with us," Ron explained.

"How the hell does she know that I'm not catatonic?" Harry asked warily.

"They knew that I did the Rite. They knew that I needed your permission to become a Black, so of course they realized that you had to be awake for that," Ron explained. He paused a moment and frowned thoughtfully. "Um...that must have been before they found out Sirius was alive." Ron groaned in annoyance. "I gave you away, Harry. I never even realized it."

Harry looked at him, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't know that they knew that Sirius was alive. When Percy told me that you had to be aware in order for the Rite to take place, I agreed. Then Percy told me later that the group knew that Sirius was alive and, therefore, the Head of the Black family - not you. That was smooth," Ron said with admiration.

"But how did they know I was alive?" Sirius asked.

"You were seen last night by their spy in Hogwarts. The same spy let them know about Snape as well," Ron explained. "They would like to know if you would testify against Dumbledore."

"Oh hell, yes!"

"What about this meeting with Elizabeth Cameron?" Harry asked. "Is it even safe? I don't trust it."

Ron looked at Harry with understanding. "I understand, Harry. I told Percy that I would talk to you guys and let him know later whether we would meet with them. I also told him that we would make the meeting plans, not them. You have no reason to trust them."

Harry sighed heavily. "I would like to know what they could offer. I don't want to have to hide from Dumbledore for longer than necessary. In addition, Severus and Padfoot are on Dumbledore's hit list, so they're not safe either. The sooner we get something done, the better." Harry looked over at Sirius and Severus. "What do you think? Should we give them a chance? See what they have to say?"

Severus nodded slowly. "I think that you should meet with Elizabeth Cameron. I've heard of her. She is a no nonsense person, but she is honorable. In fact, I've heard that she doesn't get along with Dumbledore. As Ron said, you make the arrangements. You need to feel safe."

"Padfoot?" Harry asked.

"I agree with Severus on this one. Let's see what they have to offer. It would be nice to have some help with Dumbledore," Sirius said.

Harry chewed on his bottom lip thoughtfully then nodded his head. He turned towards Ron and said, "All right, send Percy an owl. Let him know that we'll meet with him, and that we'll make the arrangements. If they have a problem with that then the meeting will not go forward. After all, if they can't agree to our safety, then they have nothing we want."

"I'll do that. When do you want the meeting to take place?" Ron asked.

Harry cocked his head in thought. He smirked and said, "Tell them two weeks."

"Why so long?"

"I have an idea."

Ron looked at him and groaned, "Please don't tell me that you're bored."

Harry laughed as the Sirius and Severus looked at them with confusion.

O-------o--------o-------O

Percy was at his desk, going over paperwork. He humming lightly, indicating that he was in a good mood. He grinned slightly as he remembered the meeting with his brother. Percy really wanted to work with Ron and Harry. He frowned slightly when he thought of Harry and the apologies he would need to make to his new brother.

Percy leaned back in his chair. He tapped the desk nervously. He wondered if Harry would forgive him for his actions. He wasn't lying to Ron about considering Harry his brother now. Family was by blood, not magic and law, and he would be damned if he gave up his brother, no brothers, now.

An owl landed on his desk, bringing him out of his thoughts. He looked at the unknown owl and took the envelope from its foot. He gave it a treat from the small container on his desk and opened the envelope.

Dear Mr. Weasley,

I would like to inform you that the meeting is a go. We would like to meet with you and your friend in two weeks. I will be sending you a letter telling you of the arrangements when they become known.

I look forward to meeting with you. I think we have much to discuss.

Sincerely,
Bernard Rigel

Percy grinned with excitement. Oh, Lizzie is going to love this. He took out a piece of parchment, a quill and began to write.

Dear Mr. Rigel,

Thank you for your quick response. Two weeks is acceptable and I look forward to your letter.

If you have need of me, please feel free to owl me at any time.

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

He folded the note and put it in an envelope. He gave it to the owl. "Give this to your master. Thank you," he said.

The owl gave him a hoot, flew off the desk and out the window. Percy grinned excitedly and got up from his desk.

He walked out of his office, down the stairs, and headed towards Lizzie's office. He whistled softly and walked with a slight bounce in his step. When he got to his destination, he stopped and knocked at the door.

"Come in," a voice called out.

He opened the door and walked into the office. Lizzie looked up from her work and smiled. "Percy, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

Percy shut the door, walked over to the chair in front of her desk, and sat down. He grinned at her and said, "I got a letter from Bernard Rigel today. The meeting is a go, two weeks from now."

Lizzie's eyes widened at Ron's false name and she started to grin. "Really? This is great news. I start to make the arrangements," she said.

Percy shook his head. "They will be making the arrangements as per our agreement. They have very little reason to trust us, Lizzie," he said seriously.

Lizzie bit her lip gently and sighed. "I know. I wonder why two weeks," she mused thoughtfully.

"Certain people need to heal from what I've heard. Mr. Rigel will be sending a letter letting me know about the arrangements."

"That's good. Keep me posted if anything happens. This is important. We cannot lose this chance. We need it, desperately."

Percy nodded, stood up, and walked to the door. "I think with their help, we might actually have a chance," he said. He opened the door and walked out.

Lizzie sighed as she sat back in her chair. She prayed to whatever god that was listening that things would finally work out. She hoped that Harry Potter would listen to them and agree to work with them. They needed the evidence that William had found. She just wanted this over.

O-------o--------o-------O

The next day, Sirius went to Diagon Alley with Harry and Ron. He hadn't been outside for nearly three years, and he was enjoying the sun shining on his face. He glanced around Diagon Alley, noticing that not much had changed. A few new shops and a few missing shops, but essentially Diagon Alley was the same.

He was in his animagus form, as it wasn't well known, and he didn't have a wand to make himself a glamour. Severus had offered to produce a glamour for him, but Sirius didn't trust the smirk on the Potions Master's face so he declined. Harry and Ron didn't have enough control yet to produce a glamour spell for him. When he asked Severus why they were able to use glamours on themselves, he had shrugged and said that it was likely they had a sense of their own magic, and could tell if it was too much. If they used one on Sirius, they might use too much magic, and it would be detrimental to his health.

He bounced around on the street. He ran after a few witches and barked at a couple of teenagers. He was having a grand time being out in the fresh air. He turned around and walked over to Harry. He reached up and licked Harry on the hand. Harry glanced down with a grin and softly said, "Hey, Padfoot. Are you having fun?"

Padfoot barked and wagged his tail. They made their way to Ollivander's Wand shop. As Harry opened the door, Mr. Ollivander came around the rows of wands his eyes lighting up when he saw them standing there.

"Ah, yes...may I help you?" he asked mysteriously as he gazed at them intently.

"I need a wand for my friend," Harry replied.

Mr. Ollivander looked at them then looked at Padfoot. His eyes widened slightly, and he proceeded to the door. He lowered the shade, locked the door, and put up a privacy spell. He turned to look back at the confused and wary men in his shop.

"It's good to see you again, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Black. I'm glad to see the news of your death was premature, Mr. Black," he said with a smile.

Harry eyes widened in shock and Ron froze. Padfoot growled and transformed into Sirius. "How did you know it was us?" he snarled.

"I can see your magical auras. Mr. Weasley's aura has changed though. I assumed it was him because Mr. Potter doesn't go anywhere without Mr. Weasley," Mr. Ollivander said. He looked over at Harry and gave them an intent look. "There is a bond between the two of you now. I can see that you share some magic. Did you by chance do the Blood Brother ritual?" he inquired.

Harry looked at him, his gaze wary. "How can you know that just by looking at our auras?" he asked.

"I have had many years to harness my special gift. It's what makes me such a good wand maker. I may not remember faces, but I do remember magical auras," Mr. Ollivander replied as he walked behind the counter.

Harry looked thoughtful. "I have come to realize that I have the ability to read auras also? Would I be able to do the same thing?" he asked.

Mr. Ollivander's face brightened. "You do? Well that is wonderful news. Yes, with training, you should be able to develop your gift to recognize anyone by their auras," he explained.

Harry nodded, understanding how Tonks had recognized him and Ron at the bank. He frowned thoughtfully. He didn't just see Tonks aura, he saw past her Metamorphmagus abilities. Should he be able to do that or did it have something to do with how much power he seemed to have?

He looked at the old wand maker, his gaze curious. "I can see through Metamorphmagus ability, can you? Is it something that is common with our ability?" he asked.

Mr. Ollivander looked a little surprised, but delighted. "You have that talent? Why, that is wonderful. Usually when one had Magical sight, how much power you have deems what you are able to do. The fact that you can see past the Metamorphmagi abilities tells me that you are incredibly powerful. Very few Wizards have been able to do that and the last one that I knew of was at least two hundred years ago. You really should get someone to train your ability. In fact, I have a journal that I kept when I began to harness my ability. It has the steps and exercises I used to help me along the way. If you like, I can give it to you to read. I hope that it can help you in some small way," he said.

"You would do that for me?" Harry asked.

"But of course. What better way to learn than from someone who has the same ability? It should get you on your way until you can find someone to help you. Do you have anyone in mind?" Mr. Ollivander asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, there is someone who has offered to teach me. I appreciate your help," he said.

Mr. Ollivander smiled cheerfully. "You're very welcome, my dear boy."

"Harry, how do you know that he won't go to Dumbledore with this?" Sirius asked while glaring at the odd man.

Mr. Ollivander looked over at Sirius, his expression hard. "I do not answer to Mr. Dumbledore. What I do in my own shop is my business," he stated coldly.

Sirius took a step back and swallowed hard. He realized that the odd man who had seemed so absent minded was actually quite powerful. He could feel the man's power flowing off him. Sirius cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah...ok," he said warily.

"Now, is what can I do for you gentlemen?" Mr. Ollivander asked kindly, his power decreasing and fading as if it were nothing.

"I um...need new wand," Sirius said.

"Yes, I would expect you to need a new one. How is it that you didn't die, Mr. Black?" Mr. Ollivander asked curiously.

Sirius snarled and said, "Let's just I was betrayed and leave it at that."

Mr. Ollivander looked at him with a grim expression and nodded. "Very well, if you would, please step closer. Which is your wand hand?" he asked.

Sirius shuffled closer to the counter. "My right," he said.

Mr. Ollivander nodded and went behind the shelves and grabbed several boxes. He set them down on the counter, and began to open them. Sirius tried out several wands, but none of them worked. Mr. Ollivander seemed delighted by the challenge, and grabbed more boxes. Sirius had gone through several more boxes and still nothing worked.

Mr. Ollivander looked at him and hummed. "Wait a minute, I think I have it," he said and rushed into the back room.

Ron leaned over and asked Harry, "Do you think that man might be just a little off?"

Harry snickered and replied, "Just a little."

Sirius snorted. "I think he spends too much time with his wands. He needs to get out some."

Harry and Ron chuckled as Mr. Ollivander came back into the room. He walked over to the counter and put down a very dusty box. "I made this wand years ago, and it never found a person to use it. Try it Mr. Black, I think this might be the one for you," he said eagerly.

Sirius opened the box and picked up the wand. The tip glowed bright gold and a breeze began to blow throughout the shop. Mr. Ollivander smiled cheerfully. "Well, go ahead, give it a wave."

Sirius pointed it at the box lying on the counter and said, "/Wingardium Leviosa/."

The box rose off the counter and Mr. Ollivander clapped delightedly. Sirius cancelled the spell and looked at his wand with satisfaction. He hadn't had a wand in three years, and he was very pleased with his new acquisition. "What's the wand made out of?"

"The wood is birch and the core is werewolf blood."

Harry looked over at Sirius with grim amusement. "Figures," he said.

Sirius grimaced at the reminder of Remus then shrugged. "How much do I owe you?" he asked.

"Ten galleons," Mr. Ollivander replied. Sirius took out a small bag from his robe pocket, pulled out the money, and handed it to Mr. Ollivander.

"Thank you, Mr. Black. It has been a pleasure doing business with you. Don't worry, I'll keep your business here a secret," Mr. Ollivander said.

"I would appreciate that, Mr. Ollivander," Sirius said. He walked over to the small mirror on the wall and put on a glamour. His hair lightened to a golden brown and his eyes were a sherry color. Looking at his reflection intently, he nodded with satisfaction.

He turned towards Harry and Ron. "Well, let's go. I need to buy some clothes. I haven't had decent clothes in forever."

They said their goodbyes to Mr. Ollivander and left the shop. Harry looked over at Sirius and said, "I need to go to the book store. You think you'll be okay on your own?" he asked.

Sirius rolled his eyes and replied, "Yes, Mother, I'll be fine."

Harry crossed his arms and looked at him disapprovingly. "You know as well as I do that Dumbledore would love to get his hands on you. Don't do anything stupid and for Merlin's sake, don't draw attention to yourself," he said sternly.

Sirius looked at him and grinned. "You know, you remind me of your mother when you do that."

Harry's expression showed surprise then he grinned. "Really? Well, regardless you be careful. I just got you back. I'm not ready to lose you again. Do you have your emergency portkey?" he asked.

Sirius patted him on the arm and said, "Yes, Harry, I do. I'll be fine. Go, do what you need to do. I'll meet you at the Leaky Cauldron when I'm done."

Harry nodded and grabbed a hold of Ron. He dragged him away and headed towards the bookstore. Sirius looked around and with a bounce in his step, walked down the street.

O-------o--------o-------O

Several hours later Sirius, with shrunken bags of clothes in his pocket, was wandering around aimlessly, trying to figure out if he needed anything else, when he slammed into someone.

"Crap. I'm sorry. I wasn't looking," he apologized. He bent down to help the man up, but froze when he saw that it was Remus Lupin.

"No, it was my fault. I didn't see you," Remus said. He looked at Sirius and frowned. "Are you all right? You don't look too good."

Sirius took a step back and nodded stiffly. "I'm fine. If you'll excuse me, I need to be on my way." He stepped around Remus and proceeded down the street.

Remus looked after the man, confused by the man's actions. He sighed. The man must've realized who he was. He cursed the day that Snape let the Wizarding World know that he was a werewolf. He was used to this reaction, but it still bothered him. He took in a deep breath to calm himself and his eyes widened as he realized that the man who he had just seen was actually Sirius. He ran down the street, after Sirius.

Sirius was lost in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning him around. He yelped with surprise. He looked at Remus, shocked, /Crap, /he thought.

"Can I help you?" he inquired politely.

"Sirius, is that you?" Remus asked softly.

"I'm sorry, you must be mistaking me for someone else," Sirius informed him and turned to walk off.

"Padfoot, if you don't want me making a scene, you had better talk to me. I know it's you. Remember, I'm a werewolf. I know your scent," Remus said.

Sirius turned towards Remus, grabbed his arm, and pulled him into a dark alleyway. He looked at his old friend and glared. "Fine, you know who I am. Big deal. I don't have anything to say to you."

Remus closed his eyes, hurt. Ron had told him. He knew that Ron would, but he had foolishly hoped that things would be different. He opened his eyes and looked at Sirius sadly. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Sirius leaned forward, his expression furious. "I'm not the one you have to apologize to, Moony. I trusted you. I made you his godfather, and you turned your back on him. He was the son I never had. I trusted you to care for him. Why? Why did you desert him when he needed you the most?"

Remus shook his head with despair. "I don't have a good reason. I...I...I foolishly blamed him for your death," the werewolf whispered. "I thought he was being punished for killing you. The wolf in me wanted his blood for killing off the last of the Pack."

Sirius eyes widened with horror and anger. With a roar of rage, Sirius punched Remus in the face. Remus fell to the ground and looked up at Sirius with shock and surprise.

"You blamed a child for my death? A child who had nothing to do with it? It wasn't Harry's fault, you asshole. Even if it had been, you were the adult. You don't think that Harry had his own guilt? Merlin, Moony, what kind of person blames a child for a death?" Sirius snarled.

"I'm sorry, Padfoot. All I can say is that I lost my head. I turned on him and I betrayed James, Lily and your memory. Molly told me that I had been named as his godfather, but I didn't want the responsibility. I wasn't in right frame of mind," Remus said with despair written on his face.

"No, Moony, you weren't. I'm ashamed that I ever thought you could be his godfather. I'm ashamed to have called you a friend. I never thought you would be like this. You're no better than Peter," Sirius stated coldly.

"Well, well, well isn't that interesting. I followed the werewolf in hopes of finding the Weasley brat, and to my surprise, I find my dead cousin. Who just so happens isn't as dead as he should've been. Guess I'm going to have to take care of that," a voice said behind him.

Sirius whirled around as Remus got off the ground. They pulled out their wands and faced the three Death Eaters standing at the entrance of the alley. Bellatrix Lestrange was smirking at them, along with Avery and Goyle.

"Bella," Sirius snarled.

"Sirius," she smirked. "I never would've known it was you if I hadn't heard it myself. Pretty good glamour you have there."

"Still a physco I see? Are you still following that miserable excuse for a Dark Lord?" Sirius sneered.

Bella's face darkened with rage and she lifted her wand up. "/Diffindo/," she yelled out.

Sirius ducked and the spell went over his head. He waved his wand and yelled "/Stupefy/." He watched as Bella ducked out of the way of the spell. It hit Avery and he went down.

Remus looked over at Sirius and said, "I'll take Goyle, you take care of your cousin."

"With pleasure," Sirius snarled.

Sirius lifted his wand and yelled, "/Adflictatio/."

"/Protega/," Bella shouted and the spell bounced off the shield. Sirius ducked out of the way.

"My, my cousin, maybe there is some good Black blood left in you. That was almost a Dark Spell. What would the Wizarding World think of that?" she asked in a mocking tone.

Sirius smirked at her and said, "You forget Bella dear, the Wizarding World thinks I'm dead. I could torture you, and then kill you, and no one would be the wiser. Hell, no one would care. You're nothing but a crazy, pathetic, Death Eater."

"The Dark Lord will win and I will be at his side when he does," she shrieked angrily. "You will regret your words."

Sirius smirked at her and said, "Bring it on."

Bella raised her wand and began to fling spells at him. They battled tirelessly. Sirius saw out of the corner of his eye that Remus had taken down Goyle and was watching them battle it out.

"/Wingardium Leviosa,/" Sirius shouted and lifted a large wood pole that had been lying in the alleyway. He threw the pole towards his cousin. Bella jumped out of the way, but not before the pole hit her in the arm. She screamed in pain and Sirius saw that her left arm hung useless.

"Ouch, did that hurt?" Sirius taunted. "Is this the best you have? No wonder the Dark Lord hasn't won yet. If you're his best, then we have nothing to worry about."

"You'll pay for that," she cried angrily. "/Avada Kedavra/."

Sirius's eyes widened and he ducked out of the way of the green light. He hit the ground and rolled. He got up on his knees and yelled, "/Stupefy/."

Bella ducked and the spell flew over her. "/Expelliarmus/," she cried.

The spell hit Sirius and he went flying into the wall of the building as his wand flew into Bella's hand. His head slammed into the building and he slid to the ground. He groaned in pain and things were going dark. He lay there in a daze and watched as Bella walked over to him.

"Well, that was fun, but I'm afraid our time has come to an end. This time, I'm going to make sure you're really dead. /Avada Ked/..."

"No!" a shout was heard and Remus slammed into Bella. He smashed her against the wall of the building and fought her for Sirius's wand. The wand dropped and he held her against the building. "You're not killing him again," he growled, his amber eyes glowing with rage.

Bella snarled, raised her knee, and kneed him in the groin. Remus wailed with pain and fell to the ground. Bella sneered at the downed man. "You need to learn your place, werewolf. /Crucio/," she hollered.

The spell hit Remus and he began to twitch and scream in pain. He lay there convulsing. Bella lifted the curse and started to laugh. "Oh, this is too easy. I really thought you would be a challenge." She kicked Remus in the chest and Remus screamed in pain as a rib broke. "/Crucio/," she called out lazily. She watched in glee as Remus began to scream some more. She took the spell off again and squatted down next to the werewolf.

"You should have sided with the Dark Lord like the rest of the werewolves. Once they do their duty, then the Dark Lord will destroy them all. You disgusting creatures should be put down. I shall enjoy the privilege of killing you. Good bye, werewolf," Bella said as she stood up.

"/Stupefy/," a voice called out. Bella went down as footsteps came down the alleyway.

"Remus? Oh god, are you all right?" the voice asked.

Remus moaned with pain. "Sirius? Is Sirius all right?" he asked hoarsely.

"Sirius? Remus, Sirius is dead," the voice said.

"No, not dead," he slurred.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" Ron's voice came from the alley's entrance.

He ran to Remus and looked down in shock. He looked over at the other body and hissed angrily. He ran over to Sirius and checked on him. He sighed in relief as he felt a pulse.

"Ron?" the voice asked, confused.

He turned towards the voice and his eyes widened with shock. "Hermione?"


O-------o--------o-------O

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