Chapter 97
A brilliant blue light erupted from the tip of Albert's wand, forming a magnificent phoenix that obliterated all the Dementors surrounding the train in a single strike.
The Dementors' sole weakness was this very spell, making it easy to defeat them—provided the caster's skill level was high enough.
After eliminating the Dementors that had attacked the train and terrified the students—some of whom had already had their happiness drained by the creatures—Albert's timely intervention restored safety.
The train's oppressive cold and gloomy atmosphere immediately dissipated.
Professor Lupin quickly grabbed Albert by the shoulder, astonishment and shock evident on his face.
"How did you do that?! How on earth did you obtain it?!"
Everyone in the compartment returned to their normal state. The fear that had gripped them vanished.
Lupin continued, addressing Albert while the others listened intently. Hermione and the rest were surprised by the professor's seriousness, initially believing Albert's actions had been reckless.
Albert, however, feigned ignorance. "What do you mean, sir?"
He deliberately avoided revealing that Lupin was the new professor, so as not to raise suspicions about how he knew.
Lupin rested a hand on Albert's shoulder to calm himself.
"Well… who would believe that at your age you could wield such a powerful spell? What truly baffles me is how you possess that bird—the one that appeared just now. It brings back old memories."
He paused, recalling something, his expression turning into astonishment. "Impossible… don't tell me you're really Sirius's son?!"
Albert remained calm, knowing that Lupin, his father, and even Harry's father James Potter had been close friends at Hogwarts.
"Yes," Albert replied. "What's the matter?"
Lupin's shock continued. "Damn it! That scoundrel never told me he had a child! Had I known, I would have raised you myself!"
Hearing this, Albert quickly shifted his gaze toward his friends, who were quietly listening. He didn't want them to know he had grown up in the dangerous Azkaban prison.
Changing the subject, Albert asked, "Sir, how did you know I'm Sirius's son? And how do you know my father—was he a friend of yours?"
Lupin, overwhelmed by the sudden revelations, sat down and began to recount events from years ago. Albert's friends leaned in to listen closely.
"When I was a student here, I had some kind and loyal friends," Lupin began. "They were Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily, Melinda Black, and Peter. We spent much of our time together."
He paused, but Harry interrupted eagerly.
"You said James and Lily? You mean my parents?"
Lupin calmly nodded. "Yes. Albert's father was a close friend of mine. We often hung out and played together in our first year. Unfortunately, by our seventh year, Peter betrayed us—"
Albert cut him off immediately. "Sir, you must be tired from the journey. Rest now, agreed?"
Lupin, sensing something unusual in Albert's demeanor, complied without questioning.
Albert had intervened because Peter Pettigrew, who was the true traitor, was asleep on Ron's shoulder. He knew revealing the truth now would ruin his plan, as he had lived a previous life and already knew Pettigrew's betrayal.
In the past, Peter had been a close friend of Sirius, James, and Lupin. But after graduation, he fell under Voldemort's influence, becoming one of his Death Eaters, unknown to the others.
This had forced James and Lily Potter to reveal the secret of their home's location only to a trusted intermediary, so their protective spell could shield Harry. They knew Harry was the boy of prophecy, destined to confront Voldemort.
When Voldemort attacked the Potters, Lily sacrificed herself, creating a powerful protective enchantment around Harry—the Spell of Love.
Voldemort, unaware of this protection, cast Avada Kedavra at Harry, but the curse rebounded upon him, ultimately leading to his demise.
Thus, Harry survived, unknowingly having defeated Voldemort.
To be contined ...