Chapter 253

Chapter 253

“It was around that time that I obtained an alchemical artefact.” Suer drew a roll of parchment from his robes.

“It is called the Marauder’s Map.”

“What is it?” Fudge was clearly interested. He reached out to take it, but Suer pulled his hand back and tucked the parchment into his robes again, making his attitude perfectly clear.

“Heh heh.” Fudge laughed drily but did not insist. “Very well, Mr Bones. What does it do?”

“It displays the name of every witch and wizard who enters the castle. On that map, I saw a name — Peter Pettigrew.”

“I may be a Hufflepuff, but one of my closest friends is in Gryffindor, so I know its students well. I cannot claim to know every one of them personally, but I am familiar with nearly all their names. Pettigrew was entirely unknown to me.”

“I therefore went to Percy Weasley, who was Head Boy at the time. He told me unequivocally that not one of the young wizards currently in the castle bore the surname Pettigrew.”

“Naturally, I became curious. Who was Peter Pettigrew?”

“During my investigation, I discovered that Peter Pettigrew had been known by a nickname in his school days –”

“Wormtail,” Black supplied hoarsely after his long silence.

“Yes.” Suer nodded. “As it happened, a recent edition of the Daily Prophet had mentioned an incident from twelve years ago, explaining the events that led to Mr Black’s arrest.”

“That was where I saw Peter Pettigrew’s name again. I also discovered that the Peter Pettigrew shown on the map was always beside my friend Ron Weasley. That was very strange. There was never another wizard with Ron — only a rat that constantly stayed by his side. Scabbers.”

“Why would a rat bear the name of a man who had plainly died twelve years ago? And why would that man turn into a rat and hide beside a young wizard?”

“With those questions in mind, I went to Professor Dumbledore.”

“With his help, I discovered that there might have been far more to the old incident than anyone realised.”

Suer passed the ball back to Dumbledore, closed his mouth and retreated.

“I must say, that was remarkably observant. A clear hypothesis, followed by cautious verification.” Fudge raised his hands and applauded gently before looking at Amelia.

“The House of Bones has produced an outstanding young man. By comparison, my own school years were painfully ordinary.”

“You are too kind, Minister.” The corner of Amelia Bones’s mouth lifted. She gave Suer a pleased glance before replying with due courtesy.

“Then the matter is quite clear, at least up to this point.” Fudge pondered for a moment before continuing in an even voice, though his tone soon changed.

“However, the precise truth must still be verified from several directions, and we shall need firm evidence. The trial may have to be reopened. When that happens…” Fudge looked at Dumbledore.

“Naturally, I shall attend, Cornelius.” Dumbledore nodded.

“Very well. It is late, and I should return with the prisoner,” Fudge said. “The Ministry has endured a great deal of criticism recently, and I have many matters to handle.”

Dumbledore nodded mildly. Fudge waved, and his subordinates immediately hauled Pettigrew from the floor and prepared to leave.

“Cornelius, I must warn you to be careful,” Dumbledore said just as Fudge was about to depart.
“Of course.” Fudge paused. “I shall allow no one near Pettigrew. My own people will guard him for the time being.”

Before departing with the others, Amelia gently patted Suer on the shoulder and murmured, “Well done.”

“I should leave as well. I am afraid the Gryffindor common room will require my attention.” Professor McGonagall swept gracefully away.

“And what of you, Sirius? Have you considered what you will do next?” Dumbledore took a cheerful sip of tea and looked at Black, who had been speaking quietly with Lupin.

Black raised his head and opened his mouth. Now that his name had finally been cleared, he found himself at a loss. The shadow that had hung over him for more than a decade had vanished all at once, dispersed by the light, and he no longer knew what goal remained.

It was as though all the strength and purpose had drained out of him. Pettigrew had long been the obsession lodged in his heart. Now the traitor’s fate would plainly be an unpleasant one. It was a pity that Black had not personally given him an Avada Kedavra, but even so, the outcome brought his wounded heart a measure of comfort.

Pettigrew would inevitably spend the rest of his life in Azkaban. Perhaps a Dementor would even claim his soul.

“I… I don’t know.”

“I have a suggestion, Professor Dumbledore,” Lupin said.

“Let us hear it, Remus.” Dumbledore regarded him with interest.

“As you know, there are times each month when I am somewhat inconvenienced…” After a moment’s thought, Professor Lupin ventured, “Why not have Sirius help me teach Defence Against the Dark Arts?”

“Two professors for one subject?” Dumbledore considered the idea and found it workable. “That might be rather good.”

“I agree. What do you say, Black?”

Sirius stared. A professor? That hardly seemed to fall within his abilities… After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded all the same.

“In that case, once the Ministry issues its announcement, you may take up a post here at the castle. How would you feel about serving as Remus’s assistant professor?” Dumbledore asked.

“I have no objection.” Sirius nodded, then suddenly remembered something. His eyes lit up. “Does that mean I can… go and see Harry?”

“Once Harry’s summer holiday begins, can he come and live with me? You know, once I am officially free again, I can return openly to Grimmauld Place.”

Sirius Black was now the only surviving direct heir of the House of Black.

As a rebel who had been struck from the family, Sirius had severed all ties with the House long ago. He had not even returned when his mother died. Looking back over his life, it seemed that only James and his other closest friends had ever counted as family.

Now James and Lily were gone as well. The only person who could be called his family in every meaningful sense seemed to be Harry Potter.

“As Harry’s godfather, I have that right, don’t I?” Black’s face shone with hope.

“I am sorry, Black. I have no objection to you meeting Harry and acknowledging your relationship, but that is the one thing I cannot permit.” Dumbledore shook his head in firm refusal.

“During the summer holidays, Harry must remain with his relatives.”

“Why?” Black stared at him in disbelief. “I am Harry’s godfather.”