"Very well. Where do I start then?" he muttered under his breath.

"Start anywhere just get this over with and let me go." I sneered and he glared at me.

"Look. You need to believe me. I did not kill all those muggles. I mean even I thought I did. But that was until I saw him alive-" he whispered.

"Gosh. You really are insane if you think I am going to believe you when you tell me Voldemort is alive." I sccoffed. I know annoying him is not the best of ideas. But think of it. He will murder me if I annoy him too much or not. I will be dead no matter what then why not annoy him before dying? But no one will ever find my body because no one will think of searching for me here.

"I am not talking about Voldemort. I am talking about Peter. Peter Pettigrew." he said desperately to try and get me to believe him. I started laughing to mock him.

"You are completely deranged arent you! You dont even know the difference between truth and dream reality that you have created for yourself. You murdered him. You dimwit. It was you who blasted him in the middle of a street full of muggles. You were the one standing in middle of that crater laughing. You crazy murderer!" I shouted my voice rising by the end.

"No. It wasnt me." I snorted but he ignored me. He got up and I thought he was going to murder me so I tried backing. He saw my reaction. He smirked.

"Scared?" he asked taunting me.

"Of you? Of course not." I snorted back. He shook his head and smiled. He knew I was scared.

"Dont worry. Am not going to murder you. I want to murder just one person." he whispered as he pulled out a newspaper clipping. It was the Weasleys photo after Mr. Weasley won the employee lottery.

"See him." he pointed at Ron. I looked at him bewildered. Why the eff would he want to kill Ron for? Sure he was annoying. But I wasnt going to let this happen. He cant kill the people I care about for no stupid reason.

"And you will help me." he hissed at me.

"Are you psychotic? Oh! Why am I even asking you that? Obviously you are. That is the reason you were in Azkaban." I said mostly to myself.

"Dont you see. Take a good look. Look at him. He is Pettigrew." he said desperately jerking my chin physically to look at the photo.

"Dont touch me you filthy, deranged bastard. That. Is. Ronald. Weasley. Not. Pettigrew." I shouted emphasizing every word.

"No. Not the boy. Look at the rat. He is Pettigrew. Look at the front paw. A toe is missing. Do you not know? The biggest bit of Pettigrew ever found was his finger." he informed me. And I looked a bit closer out of curiousity.

"Scabbers. That rat has a name. Scabbers." I muttered not wiling to believe what he was saying.

"Tell me. How long has that rat been in the family? If you know that..." he trailed off.

"Twelve years." I mumbled as a piece of his theory fit in.

"Exactly. And a rat's life expectancy is 6-7 years if you take good care." he explained. I narrowed my eyes.

"But he is not supposed to be an Animagus." I whispered confused. He grinned at that. I know now where I get my lopsided grin.

"Am I supposed to be one? Are you?" he asked me. No I wasnt supposed to be. I was an illegal animagus. But that doesnt mean Pettigrew has to be one. I frowned.

"Why should I believe you? You are an Azkaban escapee. A crazy deranged fellow. And every proof points to you. Aurors investigated the matter. There were eyewitnesses who saw you murder him." I continued stating the argument I was having with myself. "I am not that insane. Why should I believe you?" I asked finally calmly.

"Because your instinct tells you to. You know I am innocent. You know am telling the truth." he smiled at me. I scowled.

"But assuming that Pettigrew is the rat, how does that mean you are innocent? How does that mean you did not sell mom to the dark lord?" I mean Pettigrew maybe guilty. But that does not mean he is innocent. He could be guilty too.

"How do I explain. That night I had an argument with her. It was a week before the wedding of James and I had to get the tuxedo. I was the best man. So after the argument I left to buy the tuxedo and I planned on staying at James' place to cool off. I was to apologize to her later in the morning. But in the midde of night I get a patronus telling me that she is critical at Mungo's. Peter had visited us a week before and we were not under the Fudelius charm. He went and told my dear sister the location. I swear. It had nothing to do with me. I would never hurt her. We had started to drift apart in the last days. But I wouldnt dream of hurting her." he whispered. I nodded. I could feel the pain in his voice.

"I believe you." I said slowly still unsure of what I was saying. "I will help get you Peter. But you wont kill him straightaway."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I want to know his side of the story." I said and he looked doubtful. But he gave me a curt nod.

"But after that I will commit the murder I was convicted of." he hissed. I smirked. "Deal." I said. He grinned. "Deal." 

"By the way. If what you are saying is true. Then today would be a good day to try and lay your hands on him." I said deep in thought. He raised an eyebrow. 

"I want my revenge for mum and you could get me that. Thats why am helping you." I replied. "Anyways today its Halloween and the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. So if you go to the Gryffindor commons,and find your way to the third year dorms then you would find Ron's rat on his bedside table. There would be no one around to catch you. Or to help him escape. Try breaking in today. See if it works." I continued. 

"Am glad you believe in me. I believe you need to get back to the castle?" he asked as he waved his wand once and the ropes binding me dissolved into smoke. I nodded and massaged my hands and legs where the ropes had cut in. I got up and dusted my pant. And suddenly in a flash of curly dark hair and extreme body odour I was engulfed in a hug. 

"You are so much like your mother. I am glad. Had you been like me I wouldnt have been given a second chance." he said in a really happy tone. I smiled. 

"Unfortunately I only believe in 'second chances' and not 'one more chances'." I smirked and he let me go. He pulled out my herbology book.  

"Am sorry but I couldnt think of a way to get you here and make you understand. So I had to trick you in. I hope you understand." I nodded. And he gave me back my wand. I ran off the distance to the castle.

§¤§¤§¤§¤

People were just arriving back from Hogsmeade. After the long tiring day everyone was happy about enjoying the feast. Dirt and grime had accumulated on me and in my hair and clothes. I decided to go in for a bath. After getting done and drying my soft curls I pulled on a crisp white shirt along with a red and black Aztec print sleeveless v-neck sweater. I pulled on light blue distress jeans that were slightly torn above the left knee. I pulled up my hair in a pony but decided to let them loose in a side sweep. I checked my reflection in the mirror as I applied kohl and mascara. It made my eyes stand out and made my long lashes darker giving a nice twinkle to my eyes. I puled on ankle length military combat boots. I know I can run in them. I checked my reflection in the full length mirror. I looked great. I set off to the great hall. I pointed my wand at my boots and muttered "Feline Ungeus." so my boots would make zero noise as I walked. I had a feeling that I may need to do some running around tonight. I got to the great hall walking briskly and a mop of curly auburn hair was on me. 

"Perry cant breathe." I choked. 

"Ow. Sorry. You should have been in Hogsmeade today. Do you know what happened?" she asked excited. I kept an interested expression on my face even as we walked in to the feast. I saw Lupin at the table. He waved to me. I smiled politely. 

"Let me make a guess. Adrian Pucey asked you out?" I asked knowing that as one of the only things that can get her so worked up. 

"Exactly. And I said yes and we went to Madam Pudfifoots and we both found the pink a bit exaggerated so we went to the rocky terrains where the caves are situated. And -" she blushed furiuosly. 

"And?" I pushed her futrther.  

"And he took his hand in mine and kissed it and told me that am not like those other girls he has dated. And that I was different. And that he liked it. That I was the best thing that ever happened to him. And he asked me if I would be his girlfriend." she said excitedly all very fast in whisper shrieks. I concentrated on kreping a normal facial expression as my thoughts darted to Fred and I saw him sitting with Spinnet holding hands,under the table. 

"Merlin Perry thats so cute. You said yes I suppose?" I asked her in the appropriate tone. 

"Obviously I said yes. Oh am so happy." she sighed and leant her head on my shoulder. Pucey came up beside her and sat down. They looked at each other lovingly and smiled. One more couple. Great! 

I looked at Fred and Spinnet looked up to kiss him on the neck. Merlin. I hate Spinnet. Its disgusting. George saw me staring and raised an eyebrow. I smiled and shook my head to say nothing. But I know it was not nothing. I looked back down to my plate and started tearing at my fried chicken. But surprisingly I had no appetite. I saw George lean into Fred and mutter something into his ear. Fred looked up from Spinnet's eyes and looked at me instantly but I was observing the colour of the perfectly cooked chicken.  

Desserts arrived and I was in the middle of my chocolate chip butterscotch icecream cake. I was pulled out by the scruff of my shirt collar by one George Weasley. 

"What?" I asked annoyed. I wasnt enjoying my cake but I wasnt in any mood to deal with anyone who has looks even remotely close to Fred's. I hate to admit it but I am jealous. Infact so jealous that even water wont stop my insides burning. 

"Stop behaving like Ron." he snapped in a tone similar to mine to show that my annoyed facade wasnt working. I scowled. 

"I am not behaving like Ron. That was an excellent cake." I retorted. 

"Why do you just not confess your feelings?" he asked. I gave him a confused expression.  

"What feelings?" I frowned up at him.  

"You know perfectly well what I mean." he smirked. I rolled my eyes. "I saw the way you were staring at the two of them. You are clearly jealous." I snorted. 

"Oh! Dont even try denying. I saw the green eyed monster in you." he smirked. 

"That is maybe because I am green eyed and a monster." I hissed at him. 

"Shine Snape. Dont take that tone with me. Are you really that annoyed?" he mused annoying me further. I saw Dad watching us intently. I rolled my eyes. 

"My dad thinks am dating you." I muttered and he turned to look at him. He turned to look at me with an evil smirk on his face. "Tell me, you wanna annoy Fred back?" he asked in a very excited voice. I raised an eyebrow before replying. "Depends." I said. 

"He is making you jealous right?" he asked and I nodded.  

"Then as a matter of fact I know that if you went out with some guy it would crush him. So your best bet is finding a guy who you can flirt with without worrying that you will fall for each other." he informed me. 

"Oh and pray tell me Mr. Genius, where will I find such a guy?" I asked and he waved a hand over him. 

"Standing right before you Madam." he grinned. "Look I like Angelina. It will help.us both. You can make Fred jealous and I can make Angelina realize that she likes me." he finished with a sigh. I nodded thinking I am getting into something extremely messy. But a little manipulation never hurt anyone. And I want Fred. And when I want something no one ever stops me. 

"So, start flirting tommorow?" he asked. I shook my head no. "Now." I grinned the mischevious twinkle in my eyes. He grinned back and we walked in together his arm around me. I smiled and looked into his eyes lovingly. It made me want to laugh but I know I cant it would ruin the entire plan. As we entered the Great hall George walked us to the Gryffindor table. Every one even the teachers were looking at us. "Oh the joy we are aliens." George muttered in my ear. I giggled and blushed making it look like he said something cheesy to me. I saw Fred's jaw drop as he glared at his brother and me. I sat down between Fred and Angelina. George squeezed in between me and Fred.  

From across the table Perry was staring amused at the events along with Fels. I tucked some stray strand of hair behind my ear and smiled innocently at her. "You and him?" she mouthed. I nodded. To the left of me Fred's grip on his fork and Alicia tightened. To my right Angelina's grip tightened on her knife. I felt like laughing.  

"Icecream?" George asked me and I nodded blushing. "Here." he said bringing a spoon to my lips. He fed me and I saw Dad's grip on his spoon tighten as,he stabbed his cake a bit too agressively. I know exactly whose brain he is imagining in his plate at the moment. 

I chuckled. George looked at me questioningly. I pointed with my chin when Dad wasnt looking. He looked and chuckled too. 

Soon we had finished dessert. I hope Black got in had his chance and managed to get his hanfs on Pettigrew. Why would a wizard with nothing to be ashamed or afraid of live 12 years of his life as a rat? I agreed with Black's logic. But I wont tell him that. I need some time to think over it. I just hope I am doing the right thing. 

George walked me halfway to the commons. We stopped when we were at the dungeons. And we both started laughing. Laughing like we had got insane. Tears flowed from our eyes and we clutched our stomach. We leaned on the wall for support. Suddenly George leaned in and his lips were on mine. I froze. 

What the heck! I tried to push him away but he had me pinned to the wall. I heard brisk footsteps going and approaching fast. One set sounded angry the other set the approaching one sounded like habitual brisk walker. I heard the swish and billowing of the cloak. My eyes widened. 

The footsteps stooped. "MR. WEASLEY WHAT THE HECK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" Dad bellowed. George pulled away. The other set of footsteps, the angry one had stopped too. Maybe to watch the drama. 

"I told her my lip balm has chocolate flavour. But she wont believe it. So I was giving her a taste of it." George replied confidently. And I saw the person in the shadows whose footsteps we had heard. Fred Weasley. So George was just playing along the lines of the game. I couldnt let Dad ruin it.  

"Detention both of you. My office. Tommorow night before dinner." Dad said in an angry tone walked up to us caught my upper arm and dragged me off to his office for a lecture. 

"See you tommorow Goergie. In our detention date." I shouted even as I walked back steps with Dad dragging me. His grip tightened and his pace fastened. I chuckled at his overprotective reaction. 

"Dad, now if you would let me explain." I sighed even as we reached his office and he set me down on one of those hard backed chairs. 

"Oh lovely! You do have an explanation for why Weasley's tongue was in your mouth." he sneered. 

"Yes I do." I said calmly ignoring his snorts. He crossed his arms against his chest and leaned against the wall. But a timid knock sounded on the door. "I am waiting for your reply." Dad told me ignoring the person. But the person knocked again before I could reply. This time urgent. Dad scowled and opened the door a bit too fast.  

"Cant you see? I am having a conversation." Dad sneered down at the small first year Gryffindor. He towered over her intimidating her. 

"Yes, sir. But this is urgent. Prof. Dumbledore asked me to tell you to get to the Gryffindor tower as soon as possible." she gave the message. 

"What did Potter do now?" Dad sneered.  

"The Fat lady has disappeared, sir." the first year replied. 

"What?" Dad shouted. "Could you not have said that earlier insolent girl?" Dad set off real fast almost in a run as he hurried to get to the Gryffindor commons and the girl was left in confusion at his office door. 

"Hey!" I whispered. "What exactly happened?" I asked eager to know. 

"I dont know. The painting was torn. Am scared. Who would do such a horrible thing." she whispered her lower lip trembling. She was trying to hold back her tears. 

"Do you think you can walk back or should I escort you?" I asked softly. 

"I dont know. I think I will go. Am a Gryffindor. I am brave. I will manage." she muttered more to herself than to me. I smiled. 

"C'mon I will go with you." I said laughing and taking her wrist. 

"What's your name?" she asked me as we walked. 

"Shine." I replied. "What's yours?" I asked to keep the conversation. 

"Elena. Elena Smith." she replied.  

"Oh! Zacharias Smith is your brother then?" I asked. 

"Yeah. Cousin. You never mentioned your last name. You are friends with the twins right?" she asked. She had the same curly dirty blonde hair of Zach. Her eyes were however a lovely sparkling orange. Like flames. 

"Yeah am friends with the twins. As for my last name. Well almost the whole school knows am Prof. Snape's daughter." I sighed. 

"Oh the transfer student." she exclaimed. She remembered me for me. Not for who my father is. I like this girl. 

"Yeah. The very same." I said. 

We reached the entrance hall. The entire Gryffindor house was there. Most of them were wide awake. "Elle." someone shouted and she looked in the direction. Another first year. "Do you know who did that? It was Black. Sirius Black." Elle gasped. I patted her back. "Dont worry. Even Black is not stupid enough to try something now. Not when the teachers are searching for him along with the dementors. Not right under Albus Dumbedore's nose." I told her. 

"Thank you Shine." the voice of Dumbledore said behind me and I whirled around. I saw a faint blush creep on the old man's cheeks. Still cant take a compliment properly. I chuckled.  

"Can I help?" I offered. I would just say I cant find him. And Dumbledore wont even bother searching. 

"No. Thanks." Dad drawled behind me in a cold voice. I pouted. "Please?" I said widening my eyes and looking through my lashes.  

"No. And that is final." he said. 

"Oh c'mon. Dont be so stubborn. You cant do everything alone. Let me help?" I asked 

"Am not alone. I have prefects to help me. You are not entering within a twenty foot radius of Black. No matter what you say." Dad said in a tone that suggested end of convo. 

"But-" I began arguing. 

"No. I dont want your buts. Get to your commons now. I will be checking an if I find you. You wont know who is worse. Me or Black." he finished and I stomped off to the commons. Thats it am telling him the truth. I thought that and turned around. I walked up to him my boots clanking on the cold floor.

"Dad I need to tell you something." I said. He turned to look at me with raised eyebrows. I stared calmly into his black eyes. "Okay. Be fast. And it better not be something like I want a new owl or something like that." he drawled. I sighed audibly.

"Okay then...I...umm. Leave it. Dad I...think he may...be innocent?" I said the part supposed to come out as a fact coming out as a question. His eyebros rode further.

"No. I think he is helping him into the castle." he said. I narrowed my eyes in confusion. He thought I was talking of Lupin.

"No I...leave it. It's nothing." I said and sighed wearily. "Night Dad." I whispered and walked away.

he painting was torn. Am scared. Who would do such a horrible thing." she whispered her lower lip trembling. She was trying to hold back her tears. 

"Do you think you can walk back or should I escort you?" I asked softly. 

"I dont know. I think I will go. Am a Gryffindor. I am brave. I will manage." she muttered more to herself than to me. I smiled. 

"C'mon I will go with you." I said laughing and taking her wrist. 

"What's your name?" she asked me as we walked. 

"Shine." I replied. "What's yours?" I asked to keep the conversation. 

"Elena. Elena Smith." she replied.  

"Oh! Zacharias Smith is your brother then?" I asked. 

"Yeah. Cousin. You never mentioned your last name. You are friends with the twins right?" she asked. She had the same curly dirty blonde hair of Zach. Her eyes were however a lovely sparkling orange. Like flames. 

"Yeah am friends with the twins. As for my last name. Well almost the whole school knows am Prof. Snape's daughter." I sighed. 

"Oh the transfer student." she exclaimed. She remembered me for me. Not for who my father is. I like this girl. 

"Yeah. The very same." I said. 

We reached the entrance hall. The entire Gryffindor house was there. Most of them were wide awake. "Elle." someone shouted and she looked in the direction. Another first year. "Do you know who did that? It was Black. Sirius Black." Elle gasped. I patted her back. "Dont worry. Even Black is not stupid enough to try something now. Not when the teachers are searching for him along with the dementors. Not right under Albus Dumbedore's nose." I told her. 

"Thank you Shine." the voice of Dumbledore said behind me and I whirled around. I saw a faint blush creep on the old man's cheeks. Still cant take a compliment properly. I chuckled.  

"Can I help?" I offered. I would just say I cant find him. And Dumbledore wont even bother searching. 

"No. Thanks." Dad drawled behind me in a cold voice. I pouted. "Please?" I said widening my eyes and looking through my lashes.  

"No. And that is final." he said. 

"Oh c'mon. Dont be so stubborn. You cant do everything alone. Let me help?" I asked 

"Am not alone. I have prefects to help me. You are not entering within a twenty foot radius of Black. No matter what you say." Dad said in a tone that suggested end of convo. 

"But-" I began arguing. 

"No. I dont want your buts. Get to your commons now. I will be checking an if I find you. You wont know who is worse. Me or Black." he finished and I stomped off to the commons. Thats it am telling him the truth. I thought that and turned around. I walked up to him my booth clanking on the cold floor.

"Dad I need to tell you something." I said. He turned to look at me with raised eyebrows. I stared calmly into his black eyes. "Okay. Be fast. And it better not be something like I want a new owl or something like that." he drawled. I sighed audibly.

"Okay then...I...umm. Leave it. Dad I...think he may...be innocent?" I said the part supposed to come out as a fact coming out as a question. His eyebrows rode up further.

"No. I think he is helping him into the castle." he said. I narrowed my eyes in confusion. He thought I was talking of Lupin.

"No I...leave it. It's nothing." I said and sighed wearily. "Night Dad." I whispered and walked away.