Chapter 207: Report
After experiencing many worrying events, most people tend to subconsciously divert their attention and stop immersing themselves in distress.
Just like office workers unwind after overtime with a good meal, a hot bath, or some well-earned fun.
All in all, the best way to distract yourself is simply to enjoy yourself.
Professor McGonagall and the others were in this very mindset now.
The emergence of Voldemort, the theft of the Philosopher's Stone, the mysterious young man's identity, Quirrell's death, Harry Potter's power, Sirius Black's innocence, and Snape's unraveling—all of it had piled up like storm clouds above them.
Fortunately, they were surrounded by acquaintances—old friends who had worked together for many years—so they didn't need to pretend or suppress their feelings.
Dumbledore's recent odd behavior had aroused their curiosity, and now, watching his expression on the 365-degree playback of the Sorcerer's Stone scenes, they couldn't help but comment freely.
Harry likely didn't understand why Dumbledore had stared at the ceiling after their brief exchange.
But the other professors did. Not because they had better eyesight or a deeper understanding of Dumbledore—though both might be true—but simply because the Sorcerer's Stone had captured everything from every angle. Dumbledore's subtle expression of bashfulness had nowhere to hide.
Dumbledore had anticipated this. So when Professor McGonagall complained, he didn't take it seriously.
But then Professor Sprout blurted out the word that had crossed his mind moments earlier—"Confession!"
"Can Pomona read minds?" Dumbledore wondered, startled. "But my confession was in double quotation marks..."
"What?" he asked aloud, feigning ignorance.
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[Sirius Black — Butcher or Hero?]
The Ministry of Magic confirmed today:
Sirius Black, long believed to be the most notorious prisoner in Azkaban, is actually innocent.
In contrast, Peter Pettigrew—previously recognized as a hero and awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class—was the true traitor.
> "To be honest, I never liked Black. I even hated him," wrote Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin House. "But what he did this time... it made me think of him as a hero. He killed the traitor who betrayed his brother and sat in Azkaban for ten years to repent."
One anonymous reader added:
> "Sirius Black never denied the crime. He confessed to protect Peter Pettigrew's elderly mother. He didn't want her to suffer. Peter betrayed James Potter out of obligation to his family. Sirius carried the weight alone. He could have walked free—he was the heir to the ancient and noble House of Black, rich, powerful, handsome. But he chose to stay silent."
Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, said this morning:
> "This is all old Crouch's fault. He once protected his Death Eater son, and he knew Sirius was innocent. But since the real killer was already dead, Crouch sacrificed Sirius to protect his own position."
> "Now, we've found evidence that some of his subordinates were involved. We're launching a full investigation."
Despite some in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement warning that the announcement might damage the Ministry's reputation, Fudge defended the decision.
> "We must admit when we're wrong. I won't hide mistakes just to protect my image. Pettigrew's Order of Merlin, First Class, will be stripped and given to Sirius Black instead. Frankly, I'm starting to wonder if those criticizing me might have had a hand in covering this up too. Crouch didn't act alone."
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So, what is the truth behind the case?
Thanks to detailed letters from several readers, the story behind the tragedy became clear.
It all began 11 years ago, before Harry Potter was even born.
James Potter, a close ally of Dumbledore's, went into hiding with his wife and unborn son, protected by the Fidelius Charm—a powerful spell that hides a secret inside the soul of a "Secret Keeper."
As long as the Secret Keeper said nothing, not even Voldemort could find them—even if he were standing right outside their window.
The Secret Keeper was originally Sirius Black—he and James were best friends, known pranksters, and founding members of the Marauders.
But James, ever cautious and distrustful, worried that Sirius might be compromised due to his family background. So, without telling anyone (not even Sirius), he secretly switched the role to Peter Pettigrew, believing his low profile and sickly mother would make him a safer choice.
As history shows, that decision was catastrophic.
Pettigrew betrayed them.
Sirius, in grief and rage, killed the traitor and surrendered himself to guilt—never clearing his name to protect Peter's elderly mother from shame.
> "He could have run," said another reader. "But he didn't. He was too loyal to do that."
---
The newspaper featured two photographs of Sirius:
One showed him after years in Azkaban—gaunt, hollow-eyed, skin like wax. Without the moving beard, you'd mistake it for a Muggle photo.
The other was from his Hogwarts days. Carefree, smug, and strikingly handsome, with the wild charisma of someone who dared to break rules and smile while doing it.
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Back at Hogwarts, Alexander Smith flipped through the paper with a smirk.
> "This world's turning out to be even more interesting than I imagined," he thought. "If Peter Pettigrew really could turn into a mouse, imagine Sirius blasting him into pieces... only to find it was just a normal rat."
He laughed softly at the thought.
This story, like all the others before it, was far from over.
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