Burning Love

•Too Late•

The autumn air in Diagon Alley was crisp, the vibrant decorations for Halloween creating a cheerful atmosphere that felt at odds with the world outside. As I walked through the bustling streets, the laughter of children and the warm glow of shop windows surrounded me. I felt a sense of normalcy, a brief escape from the weight of the ongoing war.

But as I turned a corner, that sense of safety shattered. I was suddenly ambushed, a group of cloaked figures materializing from the shadows, their faces obscured by masks. My heart raced as I instinctively reached for my wand, but it was too late. They were upon me, overpowering and ruthless, forcing me to the ground before I could call for help.

"Grab her!" one of them shouted, and before I knew it, I was dragged through the alley, my protests swallowed by the chaos around me.

The world blurred as they transported me to an unknown location, darkness enveloping me as I was thrown into a cold, damp cell. The heavy door slammed shut, echoing in the silence. I pressed my back against the wall, trembling with fear and adrenaline. My mind raced—what did they want? What would they do to me?

Minutes felt like hours as I waited in the oppressive darkness, my breath hitching in my throat. Finally, the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the light. My heart sank as I recognized him—Peter Pettigrew.

"Peter?" I gasped, confusion mingling with dread. "What are you doing here?"

His beady eyes darted around nervously, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "They just want to ask you some questions," he said, his voice shaky. "About the Potters."

Panic surged through me. "I don't know where they are!" I shouted, anger bubbling to the surface. "You can't just—"

Before I could finish, the other Death Eaters entered, their presence suffocating. They surrounded me, their intentions clear. I glared at Peter, realizing the truth in an instant. The betrayal hung thick in the air, and I felt sick.

"You're the traitor!" I cried, my voice breaking. "You sold them out! You're working with them!" The realization hit like a physical blow, and tears filled my eyes. "How could you do this?"

He stepped back, his expression a mixture of fear and guilt. "I didn't want it to come to this! I—I'm just trying to survive!"

"Survive?" I yelled, tears streaming down my cheeks. "You're sacrificing your friends! You're throwing them to the wolves!" I struggled against the grip of the Death Eaters, desperation fueling my anger. "You think this will save you? You're a coward!"

The Death Eaters exchanged glances, but Peter seemed frozen, caught in my fury. "I didn't want to!" he stammered, but the weakness in his voice only made my heart ache more.

"Then fight back!" I urged, my voice cracking. "Help them instead of betraying them! You don't have to do this!"

His eyes flickered, a flash of doubt crossing his face, but the other Death Eaters closed in, their patience waning. "Enough!" one of them barked. "Take her for questioning. We'll see how much she knows."

As they dragged me away, I felt a surge of defiance. I would never give in. I would never betray James and Lily. I would fight with every ounce of strength I had, no matter what they threatened me with.

"Peter, think about what you're doing!" I shouted one last time, desperation lacing my words as they pulled me further into the shadows. "You're making the worst mistake of your life!"

But as the door slammed shut behind me, leaving me alone in the dark, I knew I had to hold on to hope. I would find a way to escape this nightmare and protect the ones I loved, even if it meant facing the darkness head-on.