841Chapter 9 Catch a Rat
"Remus Lupin to see Headmaster Dumbledore," said Remus to the gargoyle. It moved, and allowed him up the stairs.
"Come in Remus," Albus called through the door, as Remus was about to knock.
Remus entered, and stood in front of the desk Albus was seated behind.
"Remus, what can I do for you this morning," he asked. "Please, be seated. Some tea perhaps? Lemon drop?"
"Albus, I barely know where to start," said Remus. "I am convinced Peter Pettigrew is alive. Sirius Black sent his godson Harry Potter an owl stating Pettigrew was alive, and Peter was the secret keeper for James and Lily. Sirius told him that he is innocent. He sent me a letter that says the spy was Pettigrew."
"That can't be true," said Albus. "I was present when Lily Potter cast the fidelius, and Sirius Black was the secret keeper. What evidence do you have?"
Remus showed Albus the picture. "Sirius told Harry that Peter was a rat animagus," he said. "I would recognize him anywhere. We spent years together, and you know how discerning I am with ... such details. We had oaths amongst ourselves not to disclose this information, including my furry little problem. We were a tight group. We fancied ourselves like the legendary wizards, The Three Musketeers of Paris. We called ourselves the ... Damn. I don't know how Sirius was able to tell Harry. Maybe betrayal released the oath for him, and its not real for me yet. Maybe it is because he considers Harry family, and has a strong desire to protect him from Peter. He IS Harry's godfather. Harry told me, and now I can tell you what Harry said about Peter. My oath still holds for Sirius. This picture was taken recently, as you can see. Several of these children are in my classes."
"Pettigrew was an animagus?" asked Albus. "You are positive that is Peter Pettigrew?"
"What did Sirius say when you confronted him?" asked Remus, nodding affirmatively. "I was on a mission at the time, as you might remember."
"I never confronted him," said Albus.
"Why not?" cried Remus incredulously.
"I was devastated by the loss of the Potters," said Albus. "I couldn't bear to look at Black at the time, so I didn't go talk to him. I left him in the capable hands of the aurors."
"Sirius told Harry he never had a trial," said Remus. "How is that possible?"
"The end of the war was a difficult time," said Albus. "Suspected Death Eaters were taken straight to Azkaban for questioning. I had no interest in finding out the details. I was busy, as it was. Later, I just couldn't ask him why he did it. It wouldn't have changed anything, or so I thought."
"What if it's true!" yelled Remus. Then he whispered, "What if he is innocent?"
Albus didn't say anything for a few long moments. "I will make some inquiries," he said. "It would be one of the worst mistakes I have allowed to happen, if Sirius Black is innocent."
"I stayed drunk for three years after that mission," said Remus, chagrined. "I assumed everything was checked. You wouldn't let me near Harry. James, Lily, and Peter dead, and Sirius in prison for it. I crawled into a bottle."
"Harry's safety was paramount," said Albus. "I had him well protected. Too well, it seems, since he wasn't treated well at his Aunt's place. His ... treatment there ... was never discovered by anyone."
"What happened to James' son?" asked Remus, with trepidation.
"They let him withdraw into a shell of sorts," said Albus. "The boy is practically a hermit. His relatives didn't care for him properly, and to my regret, I never checked on him. His well being is my personal responsibility, as I am his official guardian. Petunia's son hasn't been cared for properly either, though not in the same fashion as Harry. Petunia and her husband are not good parents. Harry was safe from death eaters, but he is not very social. He can contentedly spend weeks, or even months, by himself. He defines the word ... recluse. How someone so young can live such a solitary life style is beyond my comprehension. If not for Miss Granger, I don't know what I would do about him. Harry has some mutual interests with Hagrid, but alas, Hagrid isn't much different. Hagrid is a ruggedly solitary individual. I suspect you can appreciate how that happens, with his background and yours, in our society."
"How could this be worse?" asked Remus. "What are we going to do?"
"As I said, I will ask some questions concerning Sirius Black," said Albus. "I have a meeting at the Ministry this morning with the aurors. Madam Bones will be there, as will Auror Shacklebolt. Auror Shacklebolt is responsible for capturing Sirius. I will keep you informed. Minister Fudge is adamant that Black be found quickly."
"Sirius ... innocent," said Remus. "I've got to talk to him."
"Many people will need to do just that," said Albus. "If you hear from Sirius, let me know. I'll do what I can, the poor boy. If he is innocent, I'll do what I can to help him. I wonder why he hasn't written to me?"
"Good morning Kingsley," said Amelia, as the auror entered her office. "I need to see the copy of the file you have on Sirius Black. I knew you would have it with you this morning. I have a letter, supposedly from Black, that says he was never interrogated or given a trial."
"There are no records of an interrogation," said Kingsley, as he handed over the files, and took the letter she handed him. "There is very little in that file, until after he escaped from Azkaban."
Albus Dumbledore signaled at the door for entry, and Amelia let him in.
"Supreme Mugwump Dumbledore," said Amelia. "You have met Auror Shacklebolt, who is in charge of finding Sirius Black, haven't you?"
"Yes," said Albus. "Please, call me Albus, as this is a small meeting. There is little need for titles here."
"Very well," said Amelia. "There is a matter of some concern. I received a letter last night that stated it was from Sirius Black. It said he was never questioned about his role in the death of Peter Pettigrew, nor given a trial. His official file here suggests that is true."
"He wrote to you?" asked Albus.
"He was held in Azkaban for twelve years awaiting interrogation?" asked Kingsley.
"So it would seem," said Amelia.
"One of my professors, Remus Lupin, told me this morning that he is convinced Peter Pettigrew is alive, based on this picture," said Albus, handing over the photo. "Black sent a letter to his godson, Harry Potter, who showed the picture to Remus. Remus says it is indeed Pettigrew, who is an unregistered animagus." Kingsley handed the letter from Sirius to Albus.
"If this is true," said Amelia, "it is a travesty of justice, and a public relations nightmare. We must be absolutely sure of our facts before this is made public. Sirius Black says in his letter that he will submit to veritas serum. He is well aware of due process. Given that he was only held for questioning in the death of Pettigrew and a dozen muggles, that would release him, if it proves out. There is no record in his file of a trial, so he is not in Azkaban as a result of a conviction. This file is magically official."
"If Pettigrew were found alive, Black would be released, as there is no need for a trial," said Shacklebolt. "Without Pettigrew, even I could officially question Black, being the auror assigned to bring him in. It just has to be captain, or above. Simple veritas interrogation would have released him years ago, if he agreed to its use. Otherwise, the Wizengamut can force the veritas issue during a trial, against the suspect's protest. Collateral spell damage from a wizard fight is not an Azkaban offense, in of itself. That is a situation for the Secrecy Act. The muggle deaths were officially a gas explosion. There is the matter of his escape from Azkaban. That needs veritas serum, regardless of whether he doesn't get charged with another crime. The man escaped from Azkaban."
"An innocent man would never be held for escape, how ever impossible escape was thought to be," said Amelia. "DMLE needs to find out how he did it."
"Black suggests he will contact you again," said Kingsley. "How would you get a message to him?"
"We wait until he owls us again," said Amelia. "In the meantime, what of his claim of Peter Pettigrew?"
"The photograph in question is of Arthur Weasley and his family," said Albus. "Remus Lupin told me he can make positive identification. Arthur needs to tell us if there have been any suspicious incidents concerning this rat in the picture."
"I will see if Arthur is available to meet with us," said Amelia. "His department works closely with aurors quite often. Excuse me a moment." She sent a flying note to Weasley.
"Black is afraid Pettigrew will harm Potter," said Shacklebolt.
"That isn't likely," said Albus. "The rat, if it is Pettigrew, has lived in the dormitory with Harry since he came to Hogwarts. If he wanted to harm Harry, he has already had the opportunity for a couple years. I spoke to Professor McGonagall, their Head of House. The rat has been reported killed and eaten. He has not been seen since. Presumably, Harry would have to confront him to be in danger, and I will do everything I can to see that doesn't happen. He has already agreed not to search for Black. I will be speaking with him as soon as I return to Hogwarts."
"Kingsley, how in hell do you plan to catch a rat animagus?" asked Amelia. "A common rat is widespread."
"I have no idea," said Kingsley. "That is one reason animagi are required to register with the Ministry. They can be nearly impossible to find, since animagi do not actively use magic. I will let my squad know what to look for. Can you imagine trying to hit a moving rat with the animagus revelation charm, or charming every rat one sees?"
"What do you plan to tell the Minister?" asked Albus. "I want the dementors removed from around the school as quickly as possible. Children have already been traumatized by those creatures. If Sirius Black is not a threat, and Pettigrew is gone, there is no reason for dementors at Hogwarts."
"I do not plan to tell the Minister anything, until I have my facts straight," said Amelia. "I will not be peddling rumors and guesses. I will let the facts speak for themselves, however embarrassing they may be for DMLE. This investigation will be thorough."
"I will defer to your expertise," said Albus. "Let me know if you need assistance setting up a trial for Black."
"I don't need any assistance for that," said Amelia vehemently.
"Of course," said Albus. "No offense intended."
"I understand," said Amelia. "I am a little sensitive about this. The man was a promising young auror, and DMLE utterly failed him. I would ensure he was investigated properly, regardless of his status as an auror, but ... damnation."
Arthur Weasley signaled at the door, and Amelia let him in.
It was Hedwig that spotted a rat this time. She called out to the others, who converged on her spot. This one was hers to eat. She saw it first. She would just take the good parts. She wasn't all that hungry. They had put a dent in the local rat population. The rat darted behind a couple of barrels near Hagrid's hut.
Pettigrew had spotted the owl. He hadn't lived this long, without being able to see danger. He would wait until it left, as usual. If he was anything, it was patient. He heard the cat jump on the barrel. He looked up, and saw the cat watching him. The cat screamed in recognition.
'What the hell?' the rat thought. 'A cat too? Well, it can't get me either.'
Now, there was another cat behind him, reaching.
'Damn. Let them fight for me, and I'll run while they tear each other up. WHAT! THE CAT ON TOP IS PUSHING THE TOP OF THE BARREL AWAY FROM THE WALL! Why can't the barrel be heavier? Barrel tipping over. NO WHERE TO HIDE. GO, GO, GO. OWLS EVERYWHERE!'
The rat slipped into unconsciousness, as the heavy grip of an eagle owl talon grabbed him from above. A barn owl went to find Harry. The mail trained owl could always locate him, as long as he had his wand.
The rat woke up in a cage.
"You're awake," said Harry, rigging the cage for owl delivery. "I have you ready for shipment. This cage is charmed strong enough to hold you, no matter what you do. There is no door and nothing movable. I know how to make good cages for a rat. No holes for you to squeeze through. You'll get air, and that's it. Transformation will likely kill you. I know enough detection charms to know what you are. Your injuries aren't that bad, so you should live. I know a few healing charms."
The owl lifted off with the package.
"Where is the owl going?" asked Hermione.
"Amelia Bones," said Harry. "If she is as thorough as Black says she is, the note I attached should interest her. The owl will stay to see how she reacts."
"Won't your guest be disappointed?" asked Hermione.
"Probably," said Harry. "I could have let him kill the rat, but you are likely correct about this clearing Black's name. The main thing is that the rat is gone, and can't hurt us. My tests proved it was an animagus. There is no rat listed in the copy of the registry in the library. DMLE will be interested, regardless of his identity. Animagi must register."
"I think Sirius should be free," said Hermione. "That poor man will be on the run for the rest of his life, otherwise."
"DMLE will get the rat shortly," said Harry.
"I can't imagine living all that time as a rat," said Hermione. "How could anyone do that?"
"It isn't that bad," said Harry. "Before I met Kneazle, I spent a lot of time with them. Food is easy to find, and rats can explore all sorts of places. Just have to watch for predators. It didn't hurt very long, if one got me. Made my heart beat faster. Birds kill fast, cats tend to play. Kneazle was surprised I accepted Hedwig. Kneazle and Hedwig worked out their differences quickly enough."
"Oh Harry," said Hermione. "I can't imagine that. It's a scene out of a horror movie."
"It's different, being the top of the food chain," said Harry. "I've lived both sides. I started with mice."
"I hope this helps him," said Hermione. "No one should go through what he did."
"Like I told him in the beginning," said Harry. "The worst that can happen is nothing."
"What did the Headmaster want?" asked Hermione.
"He asked for Sirius' letter to me," said Harry. "I told him I have never saved a letter after I read it. He was disappointed. He doesn't want me to meet him face to face. Said it was dangerous, even if Black is telling the truth. Like I have a reason to trust Black. I told him the only time I have left the castle is to go to Magical Creatures class. He knows you and I go everywhere together. The Headmaster told me to watch out for any rat, and stay away from them as well."
"Do you think you will get to know Sirius better?" asked Hermione.
"Don't know," said Harry. "Don't much care, one way or the other. Want to study some arithmancy? It should take a while for the package to reach Amelia Bones. It doesn't take much for me to check to see if it has been delivered. If I am not there, the owl will tell me what happened. It knows what to do."
The owl heard the floo activate. Amelia Bones got home a bit later than the last time. She checked the owl nook, and saw the eagle owl with its package. She used detection charms, and read the note.
Rat animagus. Assume dangerous. Ask questions concerning the Potters, Black, and Voldemort.
She took the cage to a table, and stunned the agitated rat. She went to the floo, and called headquarters.
"Recall Major Shacklebolt and his squad. Have them meet me in interrogation room one," she said. "I am having my supper delivered there. Send a security detail through this floo in two minutes. I will adjust the wards." She stepped out of the room.
Exactly two minutes later, the floo activated, and two aurors stepped through.
"You called, Ma'am," said the first.
"Take this rat to interrogation room one, alpha security," she said. "It is an animagus, and may well be guilty of complicity in several murders. It will be released after we get there. I am going with you. I intend to personally oversee this interrogation."
"Yes Ma'am," said the first. He picked up the cage, and the three left. The owl flew away.
The owl dropped the copy of the Daily Prophet in front of Sirius Black.
"You will be interested in reading this," said the owl. "I caught the rat."
"RAT'S MINE," yelled Sirius.
"Rat's gone," said the owl. "Read the paper."
"Rat's mine," said Sirius, walking around in agitation. "I get the rat. You said ..."
"Said it wouldn't be eaten," said the owl. "A friend of mine thought this was better."
"Who'd you tell?" said Sirius. "I trusted you, Harry. I trusted you."
"Sent the rat to Amelia Bones," said the owl. "She took him straight to auror interrogation room one. Read the paper."
Sirius sat down, and began reading. After several minutes, he started crying. He put the paper down, and sobbed with utter abandon.
After several more minutes, he quieted, sat up, and said, "I'm free. Rat has been held over for a murder trial. Maybe he'll get my old room in Azkaban. Bugger him. They have called off the search for me. I really wanted to kill him Harry. I still want to kill him."
"Can he escape also, if he gets your old room?" asked the owl.
"They know he is an animagus," said Sirius. "They probably won't ever take the suppression shackles off him. That's how I got out. They didn't know I was an animagus. Even then, I nearly didn't get my head through the bars. I squeezed through with a mushy incomplete transformation. Nasty, that. Almost got stuck. Padfoot's head is bigger than mine. Got my head through, and wriggled the rest of the way. Shoulders were almost a problem. Good I don't weigh nothing. I was getting out, or dying right there. Dementors didn't care about me as much when I was Padfoot. I walked right by them. If DMLE knew that, all animagi would get the kiss, or at least a special room. They won't learn that from me. I'll pay to get obliviated first. Might do it anyway. Should do it. Pretty common, I think, for people who aren't lifers. Azkaban sucked. Who wants to remember that? Just lose a dozen years I don't have anyway. I hid on the boat when it got dark. I can get pretty small, when I hunker down. My fur is black, and I didn't move a muscle. They don't search the boats. Never been an escape. Security is weak. Dementors do it all, really. No one likes to be assigned there."
"What is the kiss," asked the owl.
"Dementor kisses you, and you never recover," said Sirius. "People say dementor eats a person's soul. It's a wonder people even breathe after that. They never eat or drink. Just stare. Good as dead. Body starves to death."
"Could you take his memories of Azkaban, and how he got out?" asked Hermione. "You helped me out, with a few of the creepy ones."
"Probably," said Harry. "Wouldn't have to be too selective. Don't know that I would do it. If I did, I don't know if I'd let him remember I did. I'm not big on letting people know what I can do. He knows too much about what I do already."
"You helped me," said Hermione. "You could help him. It doesn't hurt to get to know people."
"Don't know about that," said Harry. "Maybe."
"Ask him what he wants to do now," said Hermione.
"What do you want to do now?" asked the owl.
"I don't know," said Sirius. "Paper said I have twelve years back pay coming, and some compensation for being in Azkaban for no reason. I ain't going back to work for the aurors. Stuff that."
"Where do you want to go?" asked the owl. "I won't stop you from leaving."
"No where I want to go," said Sirius. "My family has an island, but I there's no one there. Nothing I want to do. Never thought about anything but getting the rat. Can I stay here a while? I've not been here long, but I like running with the wolves. I'm getting stronger. I'd like to talk to you more often."
"Stay as long as you like," said the owl. "Tell no one about me, or this place. That is all I ask."
"I can do that," said Sirius. "Will you visit me? You are the last I have of James and Lily. I don't know you at all."
"He looks awful," said Hermione. "Tell him the paper said he should come in for medical evaluation, and about the aurors."
"I like to come here," said the owl. "I consider this place mine. I stay pretty busy, but I'll visit. The paper said they want you to come in for medical evaluation. The aurors want to talk to you too. They'll give you your compensation after you come in."
"I bet they want to talk to me," growled Sirius. "Bloody aurors. Sod theeeemmmmmm. Sod 'em all."
"Tell him about Professor Lupin," said Hermione. "The professor isn't doing so well either. He looks awful too. He knew the professor."
"Lupin isn't doing too well," said the owl. "Carried the paper everywhere this morning, and didn't teach class as energetically as he usually does."
"He's got an unusual problem," said Sirius.
"Being a werewolf?" asked the owl.
"How did you know about that?" asked Sirius. "He tell you?"
"Hard to hide, from the likes of me," said the owl. "It's worse than usual for him. I keep a close eye on him."
"Maybe I'll send a note to him," said Sirius. "I'll work on one."
"I've got to go," said the owl. "Thought you would want to see the paper. I'll be back, when I can. Remember, no one can know about this place. No one."
Harry and Hermione were on the couch in the common room.
"I have a question," said Hermione. "Why didn't you know the rat was not a rat?"
"I don't particularly like Ratboy," said Harry. "The rat was with him, and I didn't want to get any closer to him than I had to. I don't want to ride around in his pocket. It wasn't like I was going to take the rat from him. When I want rats, I can get rats. I might have done it when I was younger, in Surrey."
"Ratboy, huh," said Hermione grinning. "You and names. I don't care for him much myself."
"Let's go get lunch," said Harry. "Quick lunch, and then to class."
"Back to normal, huh?" asked Hermione. "It has been a fast five days. I'm really glad he is a free man."
In the Great Hall, the Weasley siblings were all sitting together. They looked rather somber. The youngest boy looked up as Harry and Hermione sat down.
"Hey Potter," he yelled. "What kind of stupid cat do you have that don't eat rats when they get a chance?"
The oldest sibling obviously told him to be quiet. Harry just ate his lunch.