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Harry Potter and The Force of Magic Chapter 26 (A Sword and A Star)
🕑 Added 2023-09-24 20:01:03 +0000 UTCSuddenly, everyone felt as if the air itself got ten times heavier; raw magical power spread around the entire house like a violent storm, but not just inside the house. The oppressive weight of the atmosphere made it difficult to breathe, as if an invisible force was constricting their lungs. The dense concentration of power was almost suffocating, creating an uneasy tension that hung heavily in the air.
As Harry extended his arm, his hand outstretched and palm open, it seemed to radiate an intense aura of energy. The crackling sparks of magic danced and flickered across his fingertips, illuminating the room with an otherworldly glow.
Yet, the extent of Harry's power was not limited to the confines of the house. It stretched far beyond, extending its influence for miles and miles. It was a force that hadn't been witnessed or harnessed in centuries, a dormant energy that had been awakened from its deep slumber. The remnants of ancient magic mingled with Harry's innate abilities, creating an overwhelming surge of power reverberating throughout the land.
As if the land itself recognized the resurgence of such extraordinary power, nature seemed to respond in kind. The nearby trees trembled, their leaves rustling in synchrony with the surge of Harry's magic. The air crackled with an electric charge, sending shivers down the spines of those who were fortunate enough to witness the spectacle. It was as if a dormant force had finally been unleashed, shaking the very foundations of the magical world and leaving all in awe of Harry's extraordinary capabilities.
"Sanguis Flamma."
As soon as those words escaped Harry's lips, Peter Pettigrew experienced an intense and immediate surge of intense heat throughout his entire body, as if he had been engulfed in a scorching inferno. The searing pain and burning sensation intensified exponentially, coursing through his veins like a relentless blaze. In the wake of this torment, every single vein in Peter's body appeared to pulsate with astonishing clarity, their intricate network becoming prominently visible beneath his once-normal skin. To his horror, the once-familiar hues of his veins had transformed into a hauntingly dark and sinister shade of reddish color, a chilling manifestation of the malevolent energy coursing through his cursed body.
Peter's body trembled uncontrollably as the scorching heat engulfed him, causing the pain and burning sensation to intensify to an unbearable degree. Each passing moment felt excruciatingly longer than the last as if time itself had slowed down to amplify the torment he endured. With every heartbeat, a searing jolt ravaged his gut, akin to a sharp blade plunging deep into his core. The relentless agony surpassed even the most torturous spells, making Voldemort's Cruciatus Curse pale in comparison.
It was as though Peter's essence had become a conflagration, consuming him from within while a horde of phantom knives pierced his flesh relentlessly from all directions. The relentless assault extended beyond the mere flesh, assaulting every vital organ with the force of a heavyweight champion's blow, causing them to ache, quiver, and feel constricted. The fiery torment spread through his veins and arteries, burning with a fierce intensity that threatened to incinerate his very being. Desperation drove Peter to open his mouth wide, preparing to unleash a scream that would shatter the heavens, yet not a sound escaped his lips, smothered by the all-encompassing agony. Paradoxically, the excruciating ordeal only continued to escalate with each passing second, spiraling uncontrollably toward a crescendo of unparalleled suffering.
Killl MEEEEEE, Peter begged mentally, his voice reduced to a mere whisper. The excruciating pain pulsated through his body, causing waves of agony to wash over him. Peter yearned for the sweet release of unconsciousness, a respite from the torment that only intensified with every passing second. Despite his desperate plea, his body stubbornly clung to consciousness, amplifying the searing pain to unbearable levels.
I AM BURNINGGGGG!! Peter screamed in his mind. With every movement, his tortured body convulsed in desperate attempts to alleviate the searing pain that coursed through his veins. In this torturous moment, the excruciating sensation wasn't limited to his physical self alone; it extended to the very depths of his mind as a shrill scream echoed relentlessly within his thoughts. The pain intensified to an unbearable degree, causing his fingertips to pulsate with an unimaginable fire as if the searing heat had melted away his very fingernails. The urge to vocalize his torment grew unbearable, yet when he parted his parched lips, no sounds escaped, leaving him feeling utterly voiceless and alone amidst the unrelenting torment. Amidst the chaos ravaging his body, an unfamiliar yet terrifying sensation emerged—a gripping pressure constricting his heart with such force that it felt on the verge of exploding.
.
.
"Cincinno"
As soon as the word escaped Harry's lips, the excruciating pain that had consumed Peter instantaneously dissipated, evaporating into thin air like a candle being extinguished. Consequently, Peter's delicate form became utterly motionless, sprawled on the ground with only the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest serving as evidence of his continued existence. Each breath he took was rapid and shallow, a desperate attempt to make sense of the lingering agony that coursed through his entire body, slowly ebbing away. During this perplexing moment, a distinctive mark materialized on Peter's back, etched into his flesh; the mark looked like a sword that had pierced through a celestial star.
Sirius, along with everyone else in the room, appeared bewildered as they gradually rose to their feet. Their expressions were filled with utter confusion, and they exchanged puzzled glances, desperately attempting to comprehend the events that had just unfolded. It was evident to Sirius, as he observed their bewildered faces, that not a single person had any recollection of what had transpired. In an effort to regain his memories, Sirius clenched his eyes shut tightly, straining to recall even the vaguest fragments of the recent past, only to find that his memory remained frustratingly hazy, leaving him with barely any recollection of what had occurred.
Sirius vividly recalled the intense moment when he and the others had successfully trapped Wormtail. Triumphantly, they had him cornered, their victory almost within their grasp. However, a sudden jolt shook the very earth beneath their feet in that crucial instant. Then, a blinding, radiant golden light shattered their senses, enveloping Sirius's vision in a surreal spectacle. The overwhelming brilliance momentarily disoriented him, rendering him unconscious, only to awaken and find himself sprawled upon the ground, bewildered and disoriented.
Sirius quickly looked at Harry and Peter, noting that both of them were standing exactly as they had been moments ago. In stark contrast to the rest of the group, Harry appeared unruffled by the recent events and showed no signs of confusion or surprise. This peculiar observation sparked a flicker of curiosity in Sirius's mind—had Harry, in some mysterious way, played a role in what had transpired? Sirius couldn't help but wonder if Harry possessed a unique ability or knowledge that explained his composed demeanor.
However, any further contemplation on Harry's involvement in the unfolding situation quickly dissipated as the entire group's attention pivoted towards Lady Amelia. With a resolute breath, Lady Amelia's gaze hardened as she locked eyes with Peter Pettigrew, her anger emanating palpably.
"What happened? I will go check on Ginny and the others?!!" Molly Weasley exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of bewilderment and worry. With an urgency in her steps, she hastily ascended the stairs, determined to investigate the well-being of both Ginny and the others. As Molly hurried on her way, Arthur swiftly approached Ron, his eyes filled with concern. Looking closer, Arthur noticed Ron gently massaging the top of his head, indicating discomfort despite no visible signs of injury.
"Harry! Are you alright?" With a concerned expression on her face, Tonks quickly walked up to him, her pace filled with urgency as her worry for Harry grew. She instinctively checked on him first, making sure he was physically unharmed, and only after confirming his safety did she pull him into a tight, comforting hug. Harry, feeling the warmth of Tonks' embrace, found solace in her presence and reciprocated the embrace, holding on tightly. In a soft and barely audible voice, he whispered to her that he was indeed alright, a mixture of gratitude and relief evident in his voice.
Tonks pulled back from the hug, her heart filled with relief as she felt the warmth of Harry's embrace slowly fading away. As she released him, she couldn't help but notice a subtle change in his appearance—his eyes had returned to their usual gleaming green hue. The realization struck her with a twinge of curiosity, causing her eyebrows to furrow ever so slightly. A flurry of questions buzzed in her mind, eager to be answered. What had caused this sudden change? Was it a result of some magical anomaly or a side effect of the harrowing events he had recently experienced?
Yet, despite her fleeting curiosity, Tonks quickly brushed aside her questions, realizing that the most important thing was that Harry was safe and unharmed. A radiant smile spread across her face, her own eyes welling up with tears of joy. Grateful for his well-being, she dismissed the insignificant details and focused on the present moment, cherishing the sight of Harry standing before her, knowing that everything was going to be alright.
As Harry and Hermione reunited, their faces beamed with delight. Hermione's excitement was palpable as she rushed towards him, her arms enveloping him in a tight embrace. The warmth of their hug filled the air, and Harry couldn't help but reciprocate the affection by kissing her blushing cheek gently. His smile illuminated the room. His fingers lovingly ran through her signature bushy hair with a tender touch, marveling at the unruliness he had always found endearing.
With a mix of concern and relief, Ron approached Harry and gently inquired about his well-being, taking a moment to ensure that his friend was alright. However, before Harry could utter a response, the entire room's focus abruptly shifted towards Lady Amelia Bones. She peered down at Peter Pettigrew, who remained sprawled motionless on the ground. Yet, amidst this apparent lifelessness, the subtle rise and fall of his chest, indicating his breath, served as an undeniable testimony that he was still alive.
"Peter Pettigrew," Lady Amelia called out his name, trying to catch his attention. However, Peter remained silent, his eyes filled with a profound sense of confusion and disorientation. It was as though he had been transported to an unfamiliar, foreign place, his surroundings appearing hazy and indistinct as he scanned the room with a bewildered gaze. The bewildering expression on Peter's face gave the impression that he was not only physically lost but also emotionally adrift, struggling to grasp his bearings amidst the overwhelming uncertainty that enveloped him.
"What should we do with him?" Ron questioned with a hint of disgust, his brows furrowing in disbelief and disappointment. He couldn't help but feel a lingering disgust for the rat he and his family had unknowingly kept for so many years, now realizing it was none other than Peter Pettigrew, a traitor in their midst.
As Ron's mind raced with the revelation, he groaned slightly, already dreading the aftermath. He knew he would have to find a new pet.
However, Ron couldn't escape the inevitable teasing that awaited him from his mischievous siblings and particularly from Ginny, who had persistently urged him to replace their aging rat with a more lively companion. He could already hear her playful jibes and see the mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she teased him about his unwitting association with a dark wizard.
"He can go to Azkaban. If anyone deserves that place, he does, Sirius can be free once again." Harry's voice resonated through the surroundings, exuding a sense of authority and strength. Evidently, Harry's words carried an immense weight, so much so that Peter involuntarily averted his gaze toward the ground, consumed by fear at the prospect of bearing the brunt of Harry's potential actions.
Amelia looked at Harry Potter carefully. She wasn't certain what exactly happened, but she knew for sure it somehow involved the young Potter. Usually, she would waste no time questioning him, but she figured that could wait until they were done with Peter and Sirius; once their mess was cleared, she made a mental note to talk with both Dumbledore and Harry privately to know if perhaps Dumbledore knew something she did not.
"Okay then," Sirius acknowledged as he directed his wand toward the fear-stricken man, his voice laced with determination.
He stepped closer to Harry and said, "Stand aside, Harry. I will stun him and tie him up." Sirius's incantation flowed effortlessly as he exclaimed, "Stupefy!" Swiftly, thin cords erupted from the tip of his wand, skillfully winding themselves around Pettigrew's wrists and ankles, effectively immobilizing him from any troublesome movements.
"What should we do now?" Hermione questioned with a mixture of concern and anxiety evident in her voice. As she held Harry's hand tightly, her fingers intertwined with his, seeking comfort and reassurance. Eyes darting between Lady Amelia and Lady Tonks, Hermione desperately sought answers, her brows furrowing in frustration.
"None of you have to worry about it anymore," Lady Amelia assured the group, her voice reassuring. "I will personally take responsibility and make arrangements for Moody to come here." A collective sigh of relief washed over the room as the burden seemed to lift off their shoulders.
"We will ensure that Peter Pettigrew is promptly delivered to the ministry for questioning," Lady Amelia continued her tone firm.
"In addition to Peter Pettigrew, there will be a necessary trial for both Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew," Lady Amelia explained, her words carefully chosen. "We must ensure that all the facts are thoroughly examined and justice is served accordingly. Every detail will be meticulously explored."
Addressing the rest of the group, Lady Amelia confidently stated, "The rest of you can rest assured that you can go back to sleep. We have taken charge of this situation and will handle it appropriately." Her words carried an air of authority, providing a sense of comfort.
As Lady Amelia finished speaking, she gracefully brandished her wand, conjuring a patronus in the form of an eagle. The majestic creature burst forth, soaring through the open window with remarkable speed.
"Wait," Ron questioned with a slightly accusing tone and a mix of surprise and disbelief evident in his voice, "you knew my rat was Peter Pettigrew all along?!" Upon sensing his son's accusatory tone, Arthur swiftly intervened by shooting him a stern look, silently urging him to exhibit more respect towards Lady Bones, who was present in the room.
"Today this morning, I was informed by Ted and Andromeda Tonks that they had captured Sirius Black and that I needed to listen to him. After I listened to his story that Peter Pettigrew was still alive and that it was the rat, knowing you were coming here, I used my spell to bind Sirius Black until what he said is proven either right or wrong." Lady Amelia explained, looking at Arthur apologetically; the latter looked like he wanted to say more but decided against it.
Harry turned to look at Lady Amelia, his gaze filled with determination and a deep sense of urgency. As his emerald green eyes met hers, he posed a question, his voice unwavering and resolute. "Will Sirius be free?"
With unwavering assurance, Lady Amelia reassured Harry, "He will, don't worry mister Potter. I will make sure personally that Justice is served, now, Sirius you will have to come with me," Her genuine voice echoed a sense of determination and righteousness as she gestured for Sirius to accompany her. As her gaze shifted towards Sirius, his shining eyes met Harry's with an unmistakable expression of immense pride, conveying his unwavering loyalty and belief.
"Next time we see each other, you will be a free man," Harry said with a warm and encouraging smile, his voice filled with genuine happiness and relief. The weight of those words hung in the air, igniting a sense of hope and anticipation. His eyes glistening with tears of joy, Sirius nodded emphatically in agreement. He pulled Harry into a tight embrace, overwhelmed with gratitude and emotions that words could not fully express, their bond stronger than ever. Tenderly, Sirius pressed a gentle kiss on the top of Harry's head, silently conveying his unwavering love and support.
"Yes," Sirius assured Harry, his voice brimming with confidence. "You won't have to ever return back to your relatives again, Harry. I promise." A warm smile spread across Sirius's face as he affectionately ruffled the top of Harry's untamed hair, causing Harry to burst into laughter. It was a moment of pure joy and relief, knowing that the oppressive presence of his relatives would no longer burden Harry's life.
Amelia Bones
As she confidently stepped into the spacious office, Amelia made sure to bring Pettigrew along with her. As her footsteps echoed across the room, she halted gracefully, positioning herself in the center, her gaze fixed upon Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic. Amelia couldn't help but observe a genuine sense of astonishment gradually appearing on their faces, their brows furrowing slightly and their eyes widening in surprise, indicating that her unexpected arrival had certainly caught them off guard.
"Dumbledore, Minister," Amelia said, "may I present Peter Pettigrew."
As if sensing the disbelief coursing through every person present, she turned to Fudge, then Minister of Magic, who gaped wide-eyed at the scene unfolding before him. Clearly stunned, Fudge stammered out words he never thought he'd utter: "But that's impossible... Peter Pettigrew is dead! Black blew him to smithereens twelve years ago!"
The tension hung in the air like fog around a volcano's peak; it was palpable even without physical contact. As if on cue, Dumbledore raised his gaze towards Amelia, whose own face mirrored the surprise etched across his features. In the periphery, Dolores Ambridge stood, seemingly unfazed by the unfolding scene before her.
Amelia, her curious gaze fixated on Albus Dumbledore, scrutinized his facial features intently, desperately seeking to glean any fragment of emotion he might be displaying. It became apparent to her that the formidable wizard was indeed taken aback, though not to the same extent as the highly revered Minister of Magic, whose astonishment seemed to surpass all expectations. Standing conspicuously beside the Minister, Amelia noticed the rather peculiar presence of the enigmatic Frog Lady, known by the name Dolores Ambridge. Suppressing an exasperated gesture, Amelia's mind raced with perplexity as she pondered the inexplicable reason behind Dolores Ambridge's unexpected presence in the Minister's office.
With a concerned expression etched on his face, the headmaster gently clasped his hands on the polished wooden desk, awaiting Amelia's response in anticipation. "Amelia," he beseeched, his voice laced with a mixture of worry and curiosity, "please tell us what happened that led to such a commotion. I'm sure Fudge would appreciate staying to hear the details,"
Clearing her throat, Amelia began to speak. She told them a slightly different version of how Peter Pettigrew was discovered, but they seemed to listen to her words and not question her, except Lady Frog, who seemed red in the face, as if the information she was receiving wasn't something she liked.
Once she had finished speaking, Amelia waited for the inevitable. She was certain Fudge would deny it.
Fudge shook his head, clearly coming out of his shock for the first time. "Impossible. Peter Pettigrew was killed twelve years ago by Sirius Black. He was disintegrated. Just because someone looks like a deceased person doesn't necessarily mean they are that person. I don't know how you can believe the word of an insane criminal..."
"Now Dolores, Amelia has obviously been tricked into believing Black's story. Amelia you said that Black is in the grounds at this moment?"
Amelia sighed. "Yes." The Minister was a complete fool who could not comprehend the fact that Peter Pettigrew was actually alive.
"Shacklebolt, Smith." Fudge indicated the two 'security guards' standing to the side. "I believe we have an escaped prisoner on the loose."
"No." Albus Dumbledore was now standing. The headmaster's expression showed the shock that Fudge refused to believe the impossible. Dumbledore would do anything in his power to ensure that Sirius was given a trial.
Fudge snapped his head around to scrutinize Dumbledore. "Come now, Albus, surely you don't believe this inane story?"
"And the fact that Pettigrew is before you doesn't convince you?" Amelia said coldly; her glare made the minister gulp in fear.
"Polyjuice potion, my dear," said Fudge with a nervous smile, sweat rolling down his face.
Amelia always knew Fudge wasn't smart and was a big fool, but this was getting ridiculous.
"And if it is Polyjuice Potion, how could someone who has been dead, be faked, especially when they were blown apart?" Amelia asked, her eyes glaring at the Minister. She saw with some satisfaction that Fudge had completely forgotten that fact. "There would be no samples of them left."
"Cornelius, I will not allow you to send an innocent man back to Azkaban. Peter Pettigrew is before you. Make your decision, but be warned, if you decide to take action against Sirius Black then I am afraid I will have to interfere," stated Dumbledore, calmly and quietly.
But it was enough to convince Fudge that something had to be done, but not in the way he wanted it to be dealt with.
Seconds passed as they waited: Amelia's breath stalled in her chest.
Amelia watched as Fudge's eyes flickered from the woman, Dolores, to the two others in the corner and then to Amelia, who glared at him, daring him to disagree with the headmaster's decision to protect Sirius.
"Very well, Albus, I will question this man now," said Fudge reluctantly. He had no choice, really, as it was obvious that the Minister had no desire to work against Dumbledore.
Taking out his wand, Dumbledore waved it at Pettigrew, who floated to the ground. The gag and bonds were charmed away. Amelia could see Pettigrew glancing at everyone in the room, fear evident in his eyes. He was shaking.
"Have you got any Veritaserum, Albus?" the Minister asked.
"Professor Snape has got a store of it in his classroom cupboard," offered Dumbledore. "Minerva, do you mind retrieving the potion for us?"
The Deputy Headmistress swept from the room. She returned five minutes later, holding a bottle of the potion in her left hand. Approaching Pettigrew, she poured the liquid into his mouth. He did not offer up any resistance, as if he was already resigned to his fate.
The questioning began immediately. Amelia sat down, keeping her gaze on the traitor before her.
"Are you Peter Pettigrew?"
"Yes," the traitor answered.
Fudge paled. "Were you James and Lily Potter's Secret Keeper?"
"Yes."
"When did you become James and Lily Potter's Secret Keeper?"
"Twenty-Fourth of October 1981."
"Did you betray the Potter family's whereabouts to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"
"I did."
"Are you stating for the record that you are a Death Eater?"
"Yes."
"Why were you made Secret Keeper?"
"Sirius knew You-Know-Who would be coming after him. He wanted to protect James, Lily and Amelia. He thought it would be best if everyone thought he was the Secret Keeper, while I stayed safe. Only James and Sirius knew that I was the real Secret Keeper."
Amelia could tell that Fudge was stricken by the fact that what he thought was impossible was, in fact, turning out to be true. He allowed a small smile. As long as the Minister saw sense, Sirius would be given a trial.
"What happened on November 1st 1981 when Sirius Black supposedly killed you?"
"I was walking down a street in London, making my way to a safe place, when Sirius found me. I shouted out to the whole street that Sirius had betrayed James and Lily. I blew apart the street with my wand behind me back, killing the Muggles. I cut off my finger, before transforming into a rat."
"Where did you go after that?"
"I joined the sewer rats. I found a Wizarding family to take me in. I have stayed with them since."
"Are you an unregistered Animagus?"
"Yes."
"When did you become an Animagus?"
"During my Fifth Year at Hogwarts in February 1976."
"Did anyone else become an Animagus with you?"
"James and Sirius did."
"Why did you decide to illegally become Animagi?"
"We wanted to help Remus when he transformed every Full Moon. We knew we couldn't keep him company as humans, but as animals we could."
Fudge glanced at Dumbledore. "I have no further questions," he said softly. "Shacklebolt, Smith, take Mr Pettigrew to the Ministry. Put him in a secure holding cell and ensure there are anti-Animagus wards constructed around it."
"Yes sir," saluted Shacklebolt.
Amelia delivered the antidote before following the two men out of the office as they led Pettigrew away.
Amelia kept her eyes on Fudge, waiting for him to speak. The Minister was deliberating what to say. After a few moments, he did.
"I am forced to admit that you are telling the truth. It is an unbelievable occurrence, of course," sighed Fudge. "I don't know how the public are going to react when this gets out. I will organise a trial for Mr Black, providing of course that he turns up. Since we don't have him in custody, it will be impossible to clear him of the crimes unless he testifies himself."
"Sirius Black is currently within the school grounds. You have my word, Cornelius, that he will attend the trial. He will not be going anywhere." Dumbledore assured while stroking his long beard.
The Minister could only nod. "I will send word of the date. I will also order the Dementors to withdraw from the school." With a final nod to the headmaster, Cornelius Fudge departed from the office with the Lady Frog in tow.
Once the heavy oak door was securely closed behind her, Lady Amelia's attention turned towards Dumbledore, who stood there with a subtle smirk on his aged face, radiating an air of contentment. Intrigued by his unusual demeanor, she couldn't help but pose the question that danced at the tip of her tongue, her steps deliberate and measured as she closed the distance between them, causing the soft carpet beneath her heels to muffle her movements.
Her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion, she asked inquisitively, "Why were they in your office?" Not oblivious to the unspoken invitation extended her way, Dumbledore extended a gracious gesture, offering her a finely crafted crystal glass filled with a deliciously tempting concoction. However, Amelia, aware of the weight and significance of the situation, politely declined his offer with a swift hand gesture, her eyes never leaving his face, her unwavering gaze signaling that she would await his response before allowing herself any comfort.
"An hour ago, a burst of Magic was felt everywhere around London," Dumbledore explained, calmly reclining in his armchair. Taking a brief moment to savor the taste of his drink, he continued; his words filled the room with a sense of intrigue, causing Amelia to furrow her brow in deep puzzlement and perplexity.
"A burst of Magic?"
"Yes. Many Wizard families have already reported they had suddenly felt dizzy, some even saying they even fell unconscious. The Ministry is trying to decipher from where this burst of magic came from, but they are not able to tell because it has spread everywhere." Dumbledore explained with a calm, collected voice. Amelia remembered what had happened to everyone in the cellar, and she remembered that only Harry Potter seemed to be the only one not that affected. Amelia knew she was probably just imagining it, but she was sure Harry Potter was hiding something.
Amelia looked at Dumbledore closely; he didn't seem that much concerned, and from his face, Amelia felt as if he knew why that Burst of Magic happened.
"Do you know anything about it?" Amelia interrogated with a hint of intensity in her voice, her upper body shifting closer to him in a gesture of keen interest. Her eyes, keen and observant, meticulously scanned every minute detail etched on Dumbledore's aged countenance, avidly searching for any telltale signs or indications. Remarkably, despite her piercing inquiry and unwavering scrutiny, Dumbledore remained unruffled and untroubled by her probing nature, responding promptly and smoothly to her query.
"No. Even I don't know everything, Amelia."
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