Death Before Dishonor

Prologue

August 22^nd

Dear Sirius,

I didn't want to tell you this, because I was afraid that you'd come here and get caught by the Ministry of Magic or by the Muggle police, but I think I have to.

It all started about a month ago when Aunt Petunia met some man at the library. I don't know why she was there, really, but she made friends with the guy. She introduced him to Uncle Vernon, and they've all gotten along fabulously. I guess it took a few weeks before she mentioned me by accident. And then, Aunt Petunia said to Dudley (when she told him, and I overheard), a wonderful thing happened.

The man says he knows me, Sirius. He says he's some friend of my parents' from school, and offered to take me in when Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley go on vacation in a few weeks. Of course I'm not invited, but who wants to visit some ruddy theme park anyway? But I'm getting off topic. He said that he'd take care of me for the week and a half they will be gone. It wouldn't be a problem, and he'd love to take me in; he said that it would be great to see James' son again since they were such wonderful friends at school.

Now, I don't know how many "wonderful" friends you guys had at school, but unless this is you or Professor Lupin, there is something wrong. I can always hope that it is, but I have a feeling you'd have told me about that! And I don't think it's anyone from Hogwarts, because Professor Dumbledore would have let me know, too. And even then, the only other person I can think of from your year is Snape, and he certainly wouldn't call himself my dad's friend! I think he'd rather call himself my father's mortal enemy. Besides, Aunt Petunia would hate him. She'd say he's greasy and needs to take a shower, which is undoubtedly right.

I think it's Wormtail.

I don't know who else it could be, Sirius, and I'm scared. I don't know what to do. They told me that I'll be staying with a "friend," and I heard Uncle Vernon say under his breath that he hopes the guy will keep me. I asked if I couldn't go to Ron's house instead, but they said no. That would be ungrateful, and I can't turn down this kind offer.

So now I have to go to his house tomorrow. They just told me this morning; this was the first chance I got to write. I don't know what to do, Sirius. If I run, Voldemort will certainly find me, but what if it is Wormtail? What do I do? I hope you get this fast.

Harry.

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Author's Note: This being my very first HP fic, I would appreciate all the feedback I can get. I've been writing for years now, and am working on my own novel, entitled Night Rider, so I've been around the block…just happened to get bit by the Harry Potter bug only recently. Thanks for reading, and please review.

Disclaimer: I don't own them…I just like to play. I promise, though, that I'll put the toys back in the box when I'm done playing. Really, I will.