Disclaimer: I own nothing concerning Harry Potter or JK Rowling.

Amelia was literally speechless for a long moment as she took in what the Archivist had said, as well as the information Magnus had just given her. Kingsley was up and pacing furiously in a corner, his fists clenched tight as he tried to keep hold of his temper. She couldn't blame him; it wasn't everyday that you learned that a former colleague, long thought to be a traitor and murderer, had been imprisoned unfairly and just left to rot on an island at the mercy of Dementors without a second thought.

After dismissing the Archivist, Amelia removed her monocle and rubbed at her eyes, taking a deep breath to control her emotions. "Lord Wildwind, I don't know what to say. This is..." she broke off helplessly and Magnus nodded. "Indeed. We were all quite shocked and angry. But I am afraid that is not all, Madame." Amelia immediately stiffened and gave him her full attention. "It turns out that Pettigrew has been closer than even my family could've guessed for the past decade. He has unknowingly been in the care of a wizarding family in his animagus form, that of a rat. Because of this, he is currently at Hogwarts as the youngest child's pet."

Kingsley gasped and Amelia actually shot up out of her seat, her face white as chalk. Magnus couldn't blame her; if his information was correct, Amelia's niece had started Hogwarts the same time as Harry. The patriarch held up his hands in an unspoken plea for calm. "Your reaction is understandable, as my niece reacted much the same. But it would not be best to just storm into Hogwarts and demand the boy give up the rat. Peter would probably escape in the confusion and we would lose him for good."

Magnus' words broke through the maternal panic that had momentarily consumed Amelia's mind and she took a deep breath to steady herself before taking her seat again. "It seems that you have thought this out carefully, Lord Wildwind." The Veela chieftain sent her a sympathetic look and nodded. "Very well, what do you propose we do about the situation?"

"Well, naturally I would like Sirius to have a real trial with Veritaserum but first I would have Pettigrew in our hands. For that, I would request that you allow my family time to obtain him as we have already been around him and have not raised suspicion. I would also request that the Ministry not be notified about Sirius until we have the rat in custody. That should shut up any protests Dumbledore or Fudge would make."

Although Amelia wanted to remove the threat to her niece and the other children in Hogwarts, she knew that Magnus had made good points. She was further reassured when Magnus added, "Peter is currently living in the same vicinity as my grand-nephew and my new foster-daughter. Apprehending him has become our family's top priority."

Kingsley took a deep breath and let it out shakily. "Well, I for one am deeply ashamed. Potter wouldn't have partnered with Black if the man weren't trustworthy. His loyalty to James was practically legend when I was at the Academy! Why wouldn't Dumbledore have at least spoken up on his behalf since he was a Gryffindor at Hogwarts?"

Magnus winced at that skewed logic. "I've learned that Albus Dumbledore will do anything for the greater good. Sabrina wrote in her memoire that Dumbledore knew Sirius would be considered for the Secret-Keeper. It was him who suggested Peter instead, as he was a less-likely choice in the public's eyes."

Amelia frowned. "What are you getting at, my lord?" Magnus sighed. "I'm saying that even though Dumbledore probably knew Sirius was innocent, he did nothing to defend the boy... because of Harry. If James and Lily's wishes had been fulfilled, Sirius would've raised Harry, brought him up to be an independent pureblood of the Black and Potter Houses who knew how to use his Boy-Who-Lived status to his advantage. My best guess would be that Dumbledore didn't want an independent heir with political pull, he wanted someone who he could mold into an image he thought would bring him the most glory and fame. He would've succeeded if not for Sabrina watching out for Harry from day one."

Magnus went on to explain about the Dursleys and then assured Amelia that they had been taken care of. Amelia was still angry over the fact that Dumbledore had denied Sirius' rights as godfather, causing him to go chasing after Peter while his god-son was placed on a doorstep without even a word to his Muggle relatives or a healer looking him over because of the Killing Curse! Ooh, she was going to enjoy taking the senile coot down a few pegs and assured Magnus that she was on his side in that coming conflict. Kingsley, now disillusioned with his former idol, also came on board.

After bidding the pair farewell, Magnus left the department feeling very satisfied. Truths had been revealed and Dumbledore's image was being tarnished at the same time that Sirius was getting closer to being released. But first, there was Pettigrew to take care of and Magnus was already thinking of a plan.

- At the same time, London –

Remus heard a tapping at the window of his dingy flat and chuckled bitterly at seeing the familiar black Wildwind owl with a letter attached to its foot. "A new record, it seems. Three letters a month rather than the usual two. The last time this happened, Sabrina blood-adopted Harry. I wonder what the occasion is now."

It was true. Catrina had sent word about Harry and the blood-adoption at Christmas but Remus had politely refused. He had given work as an excuse but just hadn't felt worthy of being there. After all, he hadn't tried to find Harry in ten years before that, had taken Dumbledore's word that Harry was safe and left the boy to his abusive Muggle relatives. What right did he have to come prancing back into Harry's life after abandoning him like that? Needless to say, Remus' self-esteem had taken a majestic nose-dive since the Potters' murder and Sirius' imprisonment. Believing that his packmate was guilty despite protests from the Wildwinds, he'd left the Wizarding World to get away from his pain, despite Moony's need to stay near his 'cub'. Instead of finding relief, he'd just felt worse as time went by. If not for the knowledge that Harry was in the world and that Catrina sent those letters, he probably would've committed suicide years ago.

Now the lonely were-wolf read the letter from his surrogate mother with eyes that widened in disbelief and a heart that began to beat faster with horror and rage.

Remus,

We have recently learned something of great importance and sorrow thanks to Sabrina. It turns out that our Sirius was wrongfully imprisoned. It was Peter who betrayed James and Lily, Sabrina has proof. We have taken steps towards freeing Sirius but there is something else more troubling. Peter is at Hogwarts, living as a pet to one of the Weasley children.

I know that Sirius will need your presence once he's out of Azkaban and Harry will want to meet you during the winter break. Our chieftain, Magnus, has agreed to take you under the clan's protection since I consider you to be one of my sons, along with Sirius.

Please, Moony, come home to us. Padfoot and Prongslet will both be needing you soon and I want you back where you belong... with your family.

Catrina Wildwind

Remus was blown away. Sirius was innocent... Harry was in trouble... oh, why had he left?! He sent the owl on its way and then he was flying around the room, packing his few belongings as the wolf in him howled its joy and relief at the thought of his pack being restored to him after over a decade of misery.