Hey, I might have passed out while reading this. On an UNRELATED NOTE, I believe I ate way too much at Christmas Dinner. Also unrelated note, the best christmas present is a follow on instagram (Dylanfordey); provided you don't enjoy being super-duper ungrateful.
Harry and Hermione both finished casting the first year spells. They entered into The Great Hall to a large commotion.
Harry and Hermione just entered into The Great Hall to see a livid Professor Snape in an intense argument with Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore.
They were able to see The Headmaster nonchalantly dismissing Severus, but Professor McGonagall looked fairly weary. She looked as if she was about to collapse, but Harry and Hermione had no idea why. Their argument was clearly silenced to those outside, but that didn't help the commotion outside when they both entered the hall.
Immediately older students from The Slytherin table got out of their seats and grasped their wands in their hands, they made their way over to Harry and Hermione as discreetly as possible. Thankfully, the older Gryffindor students, showed loyalty to the younger students, as they also got out of their seats and headed to intercept The Slytherins who were making their way over.
Harry looked at Hermione wondering if they had been caught for the attack on Crabbe and Goyle, instead of getting an answer from Hermione, Harry found one as he quickly sat down next to Fred and George.
Fred and George looked pale, and were only glancing in their direction. They didn't even acknowledge that they sat down next to them. Instead Fred whispered under his breath to Harry and Hermione
"Crabbe and Goyle were found, unconscious, and almost dead; people think it was you and Hermione. How can't they after Crabbe and Goyle were allegedly bragging about leaving Hermione unconscious in a hallway."
After they finished their explanation Fred and George promptly stood up and left The Great Hall.
Harry and Hermione were then bombarded by questions from their fellow Gryffindors.
"Did you really get them with your snake Harry? Stupid Slytherins deserved it anyways." they heard from Ron.
"I heard that you fought off Mr. Filch, while you were defending yourselves too"
"Which one is it Hermione? You were there too, weren't you?"
"We have no idea what you guys are talking about, Harry and I had just heard about what happened from Fred and George. Honestly we have no idea what happened." Harry answered
"Sure Harry", Seamus winked "you really are The-Boy-Who-Lived".
As Seamus finished his sentence, Harry and Hermione's names were called by Dumbledore through the Sonorus charm.
"Would Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger please meet me in my office in 10 minutes," with that statement Harry saw Dumbledore leave the stage to a fuming Snape and McGonagall.
With that both Snape and Mcgonagall also left in separate directions, clearly doing their best to avoid each other. After Snape and Minerva both left, Harry and Hermione decided it would be best to leave now so that they could be early to Dumbledore's office.
They left The Great Hall with further stares from students and were delighted when they saw Neville walking down the steps of The Grand Staircase.
"Hey guys, I just want to let you know that I believe you. I don't think you're the ones who left Crabbe and Goyle like that in the Owlery. I was the one who found them after all, and I know you guys were not already down in the common room"
"Thanks Neville I really appreciate it. We also have no idea how to cast the bone-breaking curse. We come from muggle families remember? Anyways Nev thank you. I'll see you in class"
As Neville walked away Hermione nearly hit Harry upside the head.
"Harry are you stupid? Nobody told us that it was a bone-breaking curse, Neville wouldn't even have known himself and he is the one who found them."
"Oh god Hermione you're right. But hey, at least I didn't make that mistake while we are talking to Dumbledore. I'll actually remember that I have to act like we have as little knowledge as possible.
Harry and Hermione had just arrived at the entrance to Dumbledore's office and the statue slid across, letting them into the narrow stairway. They continued up the stairs until they were in front of the wooden door that is outside The Headmaster's Office.
The door swung open and they were greeted by a smiling Dumbledore, who ushered them calmly inside of his office. Hermione and Harry both made a show of how they were captivated by the different bits and bobs that were lying throughout his office. They noticed Professor Snape standing near the back of the office, and Professor McGonagall standing next to Fawkes, who was roosting. Fawkes was quite uninterested in the people around him, as he was pruning his feathers and not looking around. Professor McGonagall broke her attention off of Fawkes, and told both Harry and Hermione to sit in the chairs across from Dumbledore.
Professor Snape walked from the back of the class, "Okay Well now is as good a time as any to start, unless you are going to continue to try and scare them Minerva. So Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger, are you responsible for the incident with Mr. Crabbe and Goyle."
"No sir, we aren't even sure what happened."
"Minerva does that not satisfy you, I told you that they are both responsible students who I trust. They gave you their answers. Should I dismiss them now Headmaster?"
Dumbledore smiled at Harry and Hermione and briefly glanced at both. Harry accidentally locked eyes with Dumbledore, and could feel him trying to use Legilimency, which he easily blocked. Harry and Hermione both noticed how taken aback Dumbledore was.
Dumbledore immediately looked Hermione in the eyes so that he may get a clear picture, but was even more shocked when he was also blocked by the muggleborn first year. He made sure to star this in his notes, and be sure to collect a memory of it.
"Well. Umm. Severus I do believe you are right and that they are both innocent in these crimes. I am sorry to have wasted your times Mr. Potter and Ms. Gran-"
Before Dumbledore could finish The Floo erupted in flames.
"Hello Albus, this is Amelia Bones, I am requesting access to come through with 4 aurors."
"Amelia, surely this is not about today, there were no major injuries and an investigation is taking place. Not to mention these are minors under my authority, therefore not liable to the punishment of The DMLE"
"Albus, I can assure you that I have no idea what you are talking about, and these students are under your authority not mine. I am not here for any student, but am merely looking into the case of a past pupil."
"Amelia may I inquire who this former student is?"
"No Albus you may not, and I heavily suggest you let me through before I charge you with impeding an active DMLE investigation."
"You may come through Amelia, but I would like Professor Snape to accompany you during your time here."
"I will allow that Albus" Amelia said as she stepped through the floo, closely accompanied by the 4 aurors. Harry recognised Shacklebolt, auror-in-training Tonks, and Mad Eye Moody who was missing one or two scars.
"Amelia is there really need for such qualified aurors. Alastor, what is the meaning of this?"
"Sorry Albus, I'm under oath for this mission. You may follow us as well while we search the castle."
"I will accompany you wherever is necessary."
Albus gestured to Harry and Hermione and said "Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter, you may head back to your dormitories."
When Harry's name was heard it attracted the attention of those in the room, so Harry decided to be brazen and politely responded "Thank you Headmaster, I do hope you are able to find the people responsible." with that both Harry and Hermione exited through the door of the chamber.
"Harry! They're here for Pettigrew, we have to get down to the dormitory before they do. We need to make sure he can't escape"
"I just can't believe they got here so fast; I really did not think they would be this fast and efficient. They must really be taking it seriously to have brought Mad Eye as well. I really think we should continue with the letters if they are willing to listen."
"You're right, but let's go. I really don't want to miss this." Harry said while running ahead to get back to the dormitory as quickly as possible. On the run back Harry nearly went head first into so many collisions, but luckily it seemed like nothing could stop him. He made it to the Gryffindor portrait where he waited the few seconds for Hermione to catch up with him.
"Okay let's go. The portrait swung open, Harry and Hermione nonchalantly walked into The Common Room where they pretended to talk. They asked Fred and George where Ron was because they wanted to apologise. Fred and George were both surprised and told them that Ron was just in his dormitory.
Harry immediately went up to The Dormitory, leaving behind Hermione. He reached the door to the entrance, and saw Ron talking with Seamus Finnegan.
"Hey Ron, Hey Seamus. I heard people talking about Quidditch, and I was a bit embarrassed because I don't know anything about it. I know both of you are mad into it, and was hoping that you could tell me about it."
"Sure Harry" Seamus said
"At least you're asking us I suppose. Are you hoping to make the team next year Harry?" Ron asked smirking "You know its not as easy as you think?"
"I didn't say it was easy Ron I just want to learn about it is all. I heard Chudley Cannons were pretty good… do you guys know anything about that?"
"You've got some good taste Harry!" Ron practically shouted in glee. "Sit down and I'll tell you everything I know" as Ron said this Harry looked around and saw Scabbers in his cage.
"I like your pet Ron, do you mind if I hold it while you tell me. I normally learn better when I get to pet an animal. Haha weird Ik, but I would like to learn as much as possible."
"Umm. Okay Harry, but Scabbers is a bloody moron so don't expect him to learn anything"
Ron reached and picked up Scabbers, then quickly dumped him in his lap. Harry took Peter in his hands and held onto him,ready to hold him tight when the aurors walked in.
Harry participated in the conversation and asked all the same questions that he asked last time, and even added things he remembered Ron said was important. He was actually enjoying the conversation when the door burst open behind him. His grip immediately went Iron tight around Pettigrew, and Harry turned around to face all the aurors staring them down with wands out.
"Where's that rat?!" Mad Eye asked harshly
"Th-th-this one?" Harry asked frantically, acting like a scared child while the aurors aimed their wands at him.
He handed Peter, who was struggling as much as possible in Harry's hand. Pettigrew even bit Harry's hand which caused Harry to flinch, but not let go of his grip. He held the yelp he wanted to give, and gave Mad Eye the rat.
Mad Eye Immediately stupefied the rat, to the chorus of outrage flying out of Ron's mouth.
"Thats MY rat! How dare you!" he shouted, trying to get the attention of the seasoned auror.
Amelia came from behind Moody
"Is this the rat?"
"Yes Amelia, he has been knocked unconscious, and is ready for the counter-curse."
Ron was beginning to get frantic as he saw Amelia level the wand at Scabbers, but immediately went quiet as she cast the spell; Scabbers began to grow into Peter Pettigrew, and every auror, along with Snape and Dumbledore were shocked beyond comparison. They watched as the presumed dead Order of Merlin winner was lying unconscious in front of them.
"Amelia what is the meaning of this?" Albus asked frantically, trying to garner control of the situation once more.
"This Albus is Peter Pettigrew, The Secret Keeper for the Potters, murderer of innocent muggles, and unregistered animagus. We came here on the lead of an anonymous tip which incased details of Pettigrew, and details on the Unlawful Imprisonment of Sirius Black," Amelia glanced at Harry "The Godfather of young Harry Potter, and Head of House Black. He is being brought back from Azkaban at this moment, and all charges against him will be dropped after a public hearing under Veritaserum, not that it matters after we have just captured Pettigrew."
The Aurors removed Pettigrew in chains, to the bewilderment of the students that they passed, as many had seem memorial pictures of Pettigrew, who had been crowned a hero by the ministry.