Chapter 155: The Letter!!
A day later…
Finally, the criminal Peter Pettigrew was placed in Azkaban with the help of several Ministry of Magic guards.
He was locked in one of the most dangerous cells in Azkaban, the kind reserved only for the most dangerous prisoners.
One of the Ministry guards reminded another, "Don't forget to put restraints on his hands! He can transform into a small creature. If we don't bind his hands and prevent him from using magic, he might escape!"
The other guard replied, "I know! Mr. Bartemius Crouch told me that."
After they secured the magical iron restraints on Peter's hands, the guards left the cell, leaving him alone tense and terrified in the dusty, foul-smelling chamber, filled with the stench left by previous prisoners.
Meanwhile…
In the Muggle world, precisely inside the Dursley household…
The family was gathered around the dining table, eating lunch, except for Uncle Vernon, who had buried his large face in the newspaper, reading its contents.
Aunt Petunia shot him a stern look, signaling that he should start eating.
Just as Uncle Vernon reached for his toasted sandwich, the doorbell rang. He got up and went to the hall to see who it was.
Harry, meanwhile, was slowly eating his sandwich while watching a documentary on TV about lions, the kings of the jungle, and how they hunted their prey.
After Vernon opened the door, Harry heard someone speaking and laughing, then Vernon's brief reply, followed by the door closing and the sound of paper tearing from the hall.
Aunt Petunia placed the teapot on the table and looked around curiously, trying to figure out what was happening. After a minute, Uncle Vernon returned, looking pale from shock. He shouted at Harry, "You!! … Come to the living room immediately!!"
Harry got up, puzzled about what he could have done to cause such anger, and followed him into the next room. Vernon slammed the door shut behind them, then turned toward Harry as if to assert his authority and said,
"This letter just arrived… it's about you."
Harry's curiosity grew. Who would write a letter concerning him, and who had sent it by post?
Uncle Vernon glared sternly at the letter, then read aloud:
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"To Mr. and Mrs. Dursley,
We have never met, but I am confident that you have heard much about Harry from me—his godfather, Sirius Black!
I believe Harry has told you that I have returned from prison. Therefore, I hope you will allow my son to reside with me in my home, far away. I will come to collect Harry on Thursday at five o'clock in the evening.
This is not the only reason I want Harry to live with me. He also wishes to attend the Quidditch World Cup final, which will take place on Monday evening, one month from now. As you know, he loves this sport, and it is important that he attend.
Sincerely, Sirius Black"
The tension in the room was palpable as Harry stared at the letter, realizing that his life was about to change dramatically.