Chapter 140
Albert thought carefully about what he should say, especially since one of his sworn enemy's followers was nearby, listening. He fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke:
Albert: "Voldemort killed my mother too!!"
A dreadful silence spread over the place. The only sound was the harsh wind carrying snow, striking the four of them in the face.
Hermione broke the silence: "Albert… is that really true?!"
Albert nodded, confirming his words.
Harry, shocked, asked, "Is that… really true?!"
Albert replied calmly, "Yes, it's true! And if my father were truly the reason your parents died, do you think he would also accept being the reason his own wife my mother was killed?!"
Harry froze, torn between doubt and confusion, unable to tell truth from lies.
Then he snapped back angrily: "Ha! And how is that proof your father isn't guilty? Maybe he wanted his wife dead to rise higher in Voldemort's favor!"
The moment Harry finished, he was suddenly thrown backward, falling hard onto the ground.
Albert had done it furious at Harry's insult toward his father, he had cast a spell.
Albert: "Harry!! You've crossed the line! Listen to me first!!"
Hermione quickly motioned to Albert to calm down.
Albert stepped closer to Harry, still on the ground.
Albert: "Listen!! My father was not the one who killed your parents! The true cause of their deaths and of my mother's as well was the prophecy!! Everything began when Voldemort heard the prophecy!! Do you hear me?!"
Albert's rage flared; he had wanted to strike Harry for what he said about his father, but in the end, he restrained himself.
Harry thought deeply. He remembered that McGonagall had mentioned the prophecy back in the tavern. Piecing the puzzle together, Harry realized the explanation made sense.
He stood up and asked, "But… but how did Voldemort even learn of the prophecy? And who made it in the first place?!"
Albert turned toward him and saw that Harry was no longer burning with anger as before, but filled with uncertainty instead.
Before answering, Albert glanced at Hermion she looked as though she might cry, seeing her friends fighting each other.
Ron, meanwhile, stood frozen in place, tense and silent.
Albert signaled Harry to stay quiet, then pointed toward Ron.
Harry didn't understand what Albert meant.
Albert explained: "I want you to learn this truth yourself. Come follow me!"
Harry hesitated. He feared Albert might do something terrible, maybe even try to silence him now that he knew of his father's crime.
Albert swore he wouldn't harm Harry. To ease his mind, he added that Hermione would come along too, though she would stay a little distance away.
Ron, unfortunately, was left behind alone.
The three moved farther away from him.
Then Albert signaled for Hermione to come closer to him and Harry.
Harry was puzzled why had Albert earlier insisted Hermione stay away, but now wanted her near? Hermione herself didn't understand either.
When she reached them, Albert revealed a shocking truth.
Albert: "Do you want to know who is truly responsible for your parents' deaths, Harry?!"
Harry: "Yes!! Tell me, quickly!!"
Albert: "It's with Ron!!!"
Harry turned to Hermione in confusion. Hermione asked, "What are you implying, Albert? Are you saying Ron knows the culprit?!"
Albert quickly corrected them:
Albert: "No!! The culprit is Ron's rat! He's no ordinary rat he's a wizard who transforms into one. His name is Peter Pettigrew!!"
To be continued…