Chapter 149
At present…
After fifteen minutes had passed, Albert finally arrived at Hogwarts with Peter.
Professor McGonagall once again opened the school's gates, only to be stunned at the sight before her one of her former students, and the traitor to his friends.
What truly shook her was the fact that she had always believed Peter was dead.
Even though Sirius had explained to her earlier in the Headmaster's office, in front of Dumbledore himself, that Peter was alive and had staged the crime scene, the truth was still too shocking when revealed before her very eyes.
McGonagall's tension eased only when she noticed Albert standing behind Peter, signaling reassuringly with his hand.
Albert spoke:
"I'm really sorry for the delay! This was exhausting… I've been tracking him all along!"
McGonagall understood. Sirius had already explained everything that had transpired.
So, once Albert and Peter entered Hogwarts, they hurried toward the Headmaster's office to avoid being seen by any students.
Peter was trembling in terror, drenched in sweat, his heart nearly giving out from fear of what awaited him.
When they entered, Peter came face to face with Dumbledore himself.
The fear that Death Eaters always carried for Dumbledore surged within him, and Peter collapsed onto the floor, begging both Dumbledore and Sirius for mercy.
"Mm (sobbing) please, Sirius!! We were friends once! Please forgive me!!" Peter pleaded, raising his hands high in desperate supplication
Sirius remained silent, unmoving.
Then, to Peter's horror, another figure emerged from behind a cabinet someone he had not noticed was present all along.
It was none other than Victor Salk, the Deputy Minister, and the official in charge of Azkaban's prisoners.
Victor declared:
"By confessing his plea for forgiveness directly to his victim, the accused Peter Pettigrew has effectively admitted guilt. According to Article 55 of the British Wizarding Constitution, any accused who confirms his crime before two witnesses shall be formally imprisoned in Azkaban until a proper ruling is issued one month later."
Victor stepped forward, seizing Peter, who was still begging Sirius for mercy.
With a firm grip on Peter's shoulder, both of them vanished instantly from the room, leaving only four people behind.
Now that Peter was gone imprisoned at last and Sirius's innocence secured, Albert rushed into his father's arms.
Sirius was overjoyed, more than he had been in years. His eyes nearly brimmed with tears, knowing how much his son had endured, how long he had planned and schemed to finally trap Pettigrew.
He had heard the full account from Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Sirius gently patted Albert's head and said:
"Alright, my son. Go get some rest you've had a long day. Sleep well."
Albert smiled:
"Alright, Father. Goodbye!"
He then left the office, waving farewell.
Once Albert was gone, Dumbledore gestured for Sirius to sit.
After a pause, Dumbledore spoke:
"I was never able to uncover anything to prove your innocence from the start."
Sirius lifted a hand, stopping him:
"I know, Dumbledore. Only I truly understood how clever Peter's plan was. Even if you had dug beneath the earth itself, you'd have found nothing."
Dumbledore smiled faintly, stroking his beard.
Sirius then lifted a teacup, taking a sip before saying:
"All that matters to me now is my son's safety and growth. Tell me, Dumbledore has my boy faced any dangers during his years here?"
Dumbledore replied calmly:
"No, your son has been perfectly fine. Nothing has happened to him."
McGonagall, however, stiffened at the words. She knew the Headmaster was lying just two months ago, Albert had faced a terrible incident in the Restricted Section. Yet Dumbledore made no mention of it.
Sirius, unaware, felt only relief and joy.
After a while, he bid farewell to Dumbledore and McGonagall.
McGonagall arranged a spare professor's room for Sirius to sleep in, since it was already night and the Black family home was too far. He would leave tomorrow.
---
The next morning…
A new day began, marking the approach of the school year's end.
Professor Lupin had finally recovered and left the hospital wing, his health restored.
As for Sirius, he departed Hogwarts at dawn, before the students awoke. He did so to avoid frightening anyone, since the public still believed him to be a wanted criminal. His exoneration had not yet been announced.
That day, Albert was happier than ever far more than usual.
He joked around with classmates, eagerly helped others with their assignments, and, most surprisingly, ate with a massive appetite.
Ginny remarked:
"Albert's really different today! What's going on with him?"
Ron, unable to keep a secret, blurted out:
"It's because his dad is finally free! He's been cleared of all charges!"
Ginny's eyes widened:
"Really? So that's it!"
She then glanced to her right and noticed Hermione, who hadn't touched her food, staring dreamily at Albert.
Ginny waved her hand in front of Hermione's face, but she didn't respond. She seemed lost in another world, smiling faintly.
Only when Ginny pinched her arm lightly did Hermione flinch.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
Ginny grinned:
"What's up with you? You were completely out of it."
Hermione flushed. "Sorry."
Ginny continued:
"Anyway, the girls in our dorm are meeting up later to work through the last subject's assignments before year-end. You in?"
"Yes, of course," Hermione agreed, still half-distracted.
Then, almost instinctively, she touched her neck while gazing at Albert with a smile.
At that moment, Albert was devouring his food at an astonishing pace, as if he hadn't eaten in years.
Minutes later, he let out a loud burp, finishing his meal.
Hermione burst out laughing at the sight, while Albert paid no mind at all.
To be continued…