A/N: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SENSITIVE INFORMATION, DO NOT READ IF YOU'RE THE FAINT OF HEART, YOU CAN SKIP THE CHAPTERS IN BOLD. This story has been rated M since the beginning.
Closing the Chamber entrance went without hitch, Harry managed to do it on the Saturday after the match, Severus called Filch to his office for some nonsense and Harry stepped in to close the door. If he wanted to investigate the Chamber, it wouldn't be now, there were other things to take care of, and that was the Stone.
They had to assume Quirrell knew who they were, and they had to pretend they knew nothing of Ron and Quirrell.
Harry wanted to get back at Ron as much as anyone, and at breakfast a week before the finals, the idea came to him. He quickly whispered to Hermione who was impressed and nodded.
Getting through the rest of the month was not easy, in their class they tried hard not to flinch when Quirrell was nearby, and they didn't travel alone in the hallways, in case Ron was ready to finish what he started
But on March 27, they were ready to begin their modified plan. Harry kept repeating it over and over in his head. "Get the Stone, keep Quirrell, frame him."
That night in the boys dormitory, Hermione walked in, she made sure that Blaise, Neville and Harry, she gave Harry the signal and quickly walked in breathless.
"Harry, Harry!"
The boys walked over to her as she sat down on Ron's bed, "You won't believe what I've heard!"
"What Hermione?" Neville asked.
Hermione leaned forward and pretended to whisper softly, "The Sorcerer's Stone is at Hogwarts!"
"Get out!" Feigned Blaise.
"Truly, it's here on the third floor!" Hermione continued.
The door banged open and Millicent walked in, "Hermione we have to hurry, the other girls are waiting." She feigned impatience.
Hermione got up from the bed and waved goodbye to the boys. Each boy stared at each other.
"You think it's true?" Neville asked.
Harry shrugged, "Who knows it's Hogwarts."
Blaise nodded, "I don't know, if I could look for it, I would make myself rich." They laughed together and left the dorm.
They went out into the hallway, they walked until they turn the corner and met up with the rest of the Brigade members, there they huddled in a nearby hallway, Hermione pulled out the map and opened it, all of them looked closely at the boys dorm in Slytherin, and they watched as a dot moved out of the dorm, to the common room and stop.
Blaise took off, and opened the door, he went to the common room and sat down to a classmate and started to make common chat. The rest kept an eye on the map and the dot scurried out of the dorm.
They watched it make it up to the second floor and thus followed, giving enough space to not be heard. They saw several dots come close, and waited for them to pass. The dot they followed kept going up to the third floor, they quickly followed and then the dot slipped into the closed corridor.
The bait was taken, Hermione unlocked the door, holding it open just a small crack, she slid her music box in, it started to play and she opened the door for everyone else. Daphne brought up the rear and locked the door again.
"Colloportus!" Daphne said, she was proud of her handiwork, the Brigade taught her well and she was ready to show off her skills.
The boys gently moved Fluffy's paw from the trapdoor, and once opened they dropped in, they knew what awaited them, Neville had his wand ready and used Hermione blue fire spell to ward the Devil's Snare away.
The girls followed suit, with Susan being the last one down, they trekked down a narrow passage, and Neville left a small flame in the middle to keep the vines away. They come to a medium sized chamber and they heard the fluttering of wings; they all gasped at the lovely sight of the flying keys, each wing set different, each fluttering different colors or an assortment of them; each key was different, some were short, others long, some had many ridges other's few, bronze, silver, gold.
Millicent stepped in the center of the room and pointed at the group of keys, "Immobulus!" she said.
George and Fred then took a pair of brooms from the other side and flew up to search for the key, Fred was the one to find it, and George unlocked the door.
They went down another passageway, the way it sloped, they believed it was leading them down below the castle. They didn't speak, they have known about the plan all week, each going over their own part, each reciting the information Harry and Hermione had said.
Lights suddenly turned on and it illuminated a large black and white checkered board, with the chess piece statues. Blaise stepped forward and directed everyone to a safe spot, he practiced this game strategy many times with his mom.
"Know better than your opponent." He whispered to himself. He maneuvered everyone, they were losing, but each member was safe, and Blaise turned the tables, and the game was won, everyone cheered when the door opened, Blaise had won with the David and Goliath method. His mother would be proud.
Susan was mentally keeping check of the traps, "It's all first year items!" She whispered, most of the members looked back with a grim look on their faces.
It dawned on them, Dumbledore prepared this with great care, just enough difficulty to give trouble, but not impossible to get through.
When they got to the next chamber, Harry made everyone stop and pressed his ear against the door, but jumped back as a loud bang was heard, and then some scuffling and more banging, very faintly you could hear a squeak, until it got quiet. They heard shuffling, Harry looked at everyone and they gave him a slight nod.
Harry opened the door and yelled, "OY! BAT BRAINS!"
The large troll turned around to look at noisy thing, and when he saw Harry he yelled and raised his club.
Everyone had their wands aimed at the troll's head and silently counted to three and fired, "EXPELLIARMUS!" The troll's club fell and hit his foot, and the troll faced face down on the ground.
"Incarcerous!" They said, better to be safe than sorry, they had multiple ropes around the troll. Harry turned to everyone.
"This is where Hermione and I go alone, for now. Everyone get into place, Susan, your aunt she's on her way?" Harry asked her.
Susan nodded, before the trip down, she sent an owl to her aunt, it was short and to the point, 'It happens now.'
Everyone scattered to the corners of the chamber, and blended in with the shadows as much as they could. Hermione and Harry walked into the final passage, both quiet, the room was dark, they had checked the map before entering, he was there.
They held hands, as Hermione looked at riddle and the bottles, she selected the correct ones and handed one to Harry and one for herself.
She placed her hand on his arm and couldn't help a soft tremble in her voice, "You're a great wizard Harry, please be careful." She uncorked her bottle and drank the liquid.
Harry took his and drank it as well, leaving enough in there, and leaving the bottle uncorked. Hermione went back into the chambers and hurried her way through to get to Dumbledore's office.
Harry held his wand tightly and walked through the flames, they gave off warmth, and when he entered the final chamber, there stood the mirror of Erised.
He removed his robes, he was wearing his Muggle clothes underneath, and placed them in front of the mirror, he went around and slid down, his heart was beating heavily in his chest.
He heard the flames flicker and he gripped his wand tighter, he strained his ears to listen and yes, there! A soft scuttering, he counted until five, he closed his eyes on four, and with five he twisted his body around the mirror and yelled, "AD HOMINEN!"
He kept his wand as steady as he could, and then in complete shock on his face and with ragged clothes knelt a man who was considered dead for years. Harry quickly redirected his wand into the first binding spell.
"Petrificus totalus!" He watched as the man went rigid as a board, and for good measure, Harry shouted at him, "Incarcerata!" and finally, "Incarcerous!" He watched as ropes looped around the man.
Once the spell finished Harry went over and rolled the man over, who could only stare in fear, "Hello Peter, you won't be getting away this time, you have a lot to answer for." Harry whispered with great anger.
Harry then waited in the chamber, he didn't want to look in the mirror, even if it was to save the Stone, to save Flamel, he knew what he would see first, but he didn't want to. They were gone, he had others now, he had Hermione and soon his godfather.
He put his robes back on, and then he heard the clatter of footsteps and shouting.
"Albus do not make me put this school on lockdown! Rumors travel fast, and no I will not tell you about the tip." Amelia shouted.
Dumbledore came through the door, he tried to block the others, but was shoved aside as Amelia walked through, she gasped as she saw Peter Pettigrew tied up and Harry keeping watch over him.
Minerva walked followed through and went to Harry pulling him aside; "Harry are you alright?"
Harry nodded, he didn't have to fake his anger or grief, "He betrayed my parents, he gave them to Voldemort that night."
Severus came through, when he heard Harry's words, yes he read the notebook, but he had his doubts, now upon hearing the truth, actually hearing it, and seeing Peter, he felt his soul leave his body.
Eleven years, he carried the guilt with him for eleven years, he thought he was the cause of her death. He held on to his composure as much as he could, "Minerva, if you please, take Mr. Potter to the infirmary."
"Now Severus, before doing so, I must talk to Harry." Dumbledore began, but Severus turned on him, "You will after he is checked on." Severus said.
Amelia levitated Peter up, "I want the Stone moved out of her tonight Albus, this is proof it is not safe here, there are students lives at risk!"
Dumbledore tried his charm, "No one can get in Amelia, Harry had help, it was pure luck he made it through." Dumbledore referenced the Brigade members in the back.
Amelia was not having it, she pointed her finger to Peter, "And he had none."
Dumbledore tried again, "We can put him in one of the towers, Severus and Flitwick can keep watch."
Amelia cut him off, "No, he comes with me tonight, there's a lot he needs to answer for."
Dumbledore frowned and tried a different approach, "You believe Harry then? He was probably in hiding from Sirius."
Amelia cut in again, "No, we've reopened the case against Sirius and found many mistakes against him. Even if he did kill the Muggles, he was only tried for Peter, and Peter is alive, and, this seems pretty self evident, he is a free man."
Amelia waved to a couple of people behind the Brigade members, it was Kingsley and Moody, "Take him to the Ministry, stay on guard with him, no one speaks or sees him, unless it's me."
They nodded and took Peter out of there, Dumbledore tried again, "Amelia, you're jumping to conclusions, we don't have enough evidence to release Sirius.."
Amelia walked up to Dumbledore and stared him down, "Well good news I'm Minister and can look into these things, isn't it?"
Dumbledore reluctantly nodded, Amelia had other Ministry members come through and pick up the mirror. Minerva ushered Harry out, but before he was out of the chamber, Dumbledore called asked Harry. "Why didn't you get the Stone Harry?"
Harry turned to look at Dumbledore, "I don't care about the Stone, I've heard the stories, and I found out the man who ruined my life was here."
Dumbledore's eyes shone brightly, Harry was good, but Sirius might come out soon, he had to come up with a plan to stop it, he waited a while with the other teachers as they cleaned up the area and had Fluffy removed.
Quirrell stood in the back, he was relieved, he was not caught, but his master was intrigued with the turn of events, he whispered to Quirrell, and Quirrell made his way out of the third floor corridor.
Heading towards his office, he bumped into Amelia, "S-s-s-so sorry."
Amelia gave him a tight lip nod and turned away from him, giving out orders about Peter and telling her assistant to wake everyone up for an emergency hearing of the Wizengamot.
The clocktower chimed, it was one in the morning, the Brigade members were all taken to the infirmary for a check up and given a sleeping potion.
Meanwhile…
At the Ministry, Amelia had the members brought in, some by force and others willingly, some had robes over their sleeping wear and were very angry at being taken out of their homes.
"What is the meaning of this Amelia?!" One of the men yelled.
"This is scandalous, I plan to submit a formal complaint against you!" Yelled another woman with many cheering her.
Amelia took the center, "I apologize for the late hour and actions, but this could not wait." She had the last two people brought in, the first was Rita Skeeter and the second Xeno.
She waved for Kingsley to bring in the offender, when she removed the head cover, everyone gasped. Rita and Xeno started making notes and firing questions.
"Are you sure it's the real Peter?" Xeno asked.
"Why is a hero tied up?" Asked Rita.
Amelia waved up a small vial, "This here is Veritaserum, and in extreme cases is this only allowed, I as Minister hereby approve it for this questioning, and will be the one to administer it and perform the questioning."
She opened Peter's mouth by hand and removed the petrification jinx on him, Aurora was in the shadows, to witness the hearing.
Amelia glanced at Peter, "State your name for the record."
Peter tried to hold back his words, but they forced themselves out in a high pitch and breaking voice, from lack of use, "My name is Peter Pettigrew."
"What school did you attend and what House were you in?" Amelia asked simple questions to establish confidence in the inquiry.
"I attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and I was in Gryffindor." Peter said in a flat tone. Even though he struggled against the potion to speak the truth.
"Tell us what happened to James and Lily, and what happened tonight." Amelia asked the main questions first, she wanted this to be done now, so that Sirius could be released.
Peter twisted his neck and growled animalistically, "James and Lily Potter performed the Fidelius Charm, with Albus Dumbledore being the one to cast it, Sirius was the Secret Keeper. But James and Lily had fears and knew of a traitor, they recasted the spell without Dumbledore's knowledge, and had me as the Secret Keeper. Only us four knew the truth, I gave them up to the Dark Lord."
People gasped, obscene words were shouted at Peter, Amelia raised her wand for silence, "Continue." She told him.
And he did, "I heard the Stone was in the castle, they said it was a rumor, that it was on the third floor, I went there and there were traps, I managed to get through each, until the final trap, it was a riddle with potions and flames."
"How did you get past everything?" Amelia asked.
"I'm an unregistered animagus, my form is a rat, the spells couldn't detect my weak magic trace." Again people shouted in anger and disgust. Amelia calmed them down once more.
"What happened at the end." She asked.
"I watched as the Muggleborn girl solved the riddle and Harry moved forward, he forgot to cork the vial with the potion and I drank some, the flames could detect my presence, and once I drank enough I managed to get through. I thought something happened to Harry, because I only saw his robes, but he caught me and tied me up." He finished his tale.
Amelia asked him one final question, "Who killed the Muggles on the day you, supposedly died?"
"I did." Peter said.
"Did Sirius ever attack you during that time?" She asked.
"No, he protected me. He told me where I could hide." Peter said again in a flat tone, even though tears started to fall.
Amelia shook with anger, "And what did You-Know-Who give you?"
Peter gasped for air, "Power, I was going to be his top lieutenant I gave him James, Lily, and Harry Potter."
The anger outburst was too much to contain, Amelia, placed the head cover back on and had him removed from the chamber, at which point the potion was wearing off and Peter was yelling, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Amelia called her secretary forward, she had the full transcript, she made her make several copies, and to send a release form for Sirius. Rita and Xeno went over to Amelia.
"Harry stopped him then? How did he get past the traps?" Xeno asked.
Rita rolled her eyes, "Does Harry have greater powers?"
"Are we talking about the Stone that Flamel owns?" Xeno asked.
"Was he trying to bring back You-Know-Who?" Rita asked.
Amelia looked at both and gave her statement, "Take this as you will, but here is the truth, Sirius Black was framed, during the old administration, there was no trial, we had Newt Scamander perform a Revelio on the scene, it was broken, but we did see a rat on the scene. Harry is still a young wizard with a promising future, Flamel entrusted for the Stone to be protected based off rumors Dumbledore had acquired through his own personal connections, and yes, he was attempting to bring back You-Know-Who. But for now, Harry intercepted the attempt and Sirius Black will soon be free and Peter will receive the punishment he deserves. Justice will be served."
Everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering, Rita and Xeno quickly left the Ministry both to write their own stories. Xeno writing the truth of what he witnessed and the bravery of Sirius. Rita went off to write the tragic tale of Sirius, the incompetence of the Ministry, and the villainous aura of Peter.
Amelia gathered with the Wizengamot members, many were speaking of outrage and agreeing to tear down the corruption in their Ministry. Each signed a statement of what they've seen and heard, Amelia walked with her assistant, the owls were gone, someone had scared them away. Amelia went to the owlery and looked around, she spotted frantic footsteps of someone being there, the owls were spooked away on purpose.
Panic rose in her chest, "Get that letter sent now, or use a fireplace to send it through. NOW!" The assistant left, and caught a security guard and together made it to the fireplace to send the message.
Amelia ran down the stairs, she called out for all security to meet her at the cells. She was afraid she may be too late.
The interloper blended in with the members of the Wizengamot upon arrival, no one paid much attention, everyone was causing a ruckus and too many questions were being asked, so the Aurors didn't dare to stare for long at anyone to avoid giving answers.
This person slipped away with ease, and made their way down to the cells, but they got there a little too late, Peter was whisked away, but no matter, this person was used to waiting, and instead went to the owlery. No owls, no help.
After a short while Peter was brought back, the inquiry must have been quick, Peter was mumbling and in tears, and when this person came up to the cell door, Peter whimpered and huddled in a corner, as he was free from his constraints.
"Shhhh, Peter, shhhh. I have not forgotten you Peter. I know you gave them up because of your own greed. I can give you all that I promised Peter, all of it, you must swear yourself to me again."
Peter whimpered, "Master?"
"Yes, Peter, it's I, and you with Quirrell here, will get me a body." Voldemort spoke.
Peter threw himself at the door of the cell, on his knees, "Oh Dark Lord, I pledge myself to you!"
Quirrell then exploded the lock off and opened the cell door, "Hurry." He said without a stutter. Together went up the cells and to the main entrance chamber, Quirrell conjured some robes for Peter, but there was a guard at the door.
Amelia raced down to the cells, it was too late, Peter was out. She ordered the Aurors to fan out to the exits, and to use any force necessary.
They heard shouts of help, and explosions, they ran towards the comotion, Amelia ordered those who were not trained to stay and hide.
They went through each corridor in tactical mode, groups of threes, the first clearing the area, it was slow for Amelia. Once they made it to the main entrance a tragic sight met their eyes.
The security guard, Clarence Fogle, a young man who had joined the Ministry, who had a belief of a better future for Muggleborns, was caught between Quirrell and Peter, Quirrell had his back to the group, but Peter was facing them. Clarence was floating between them his face caught in a silent scream.
Time froze for a split second, and then Moody growled, "NO!"
Peter, looked at the group and simply said, "The Dark Lord will rise again." He had Clarence's wand and with a stabbing motion, he pointed at Clarence's chest, a dark liquid fell down on Peter, staining his arm, the liquid didn't drip to the floor, but clung fiercely to his arm. Peter winced as it burned, and then the Dark Mark tattoo formed on his arm.
Quirrell still didn't turn, and grabbed Peter by his collar and took him out of the Ministry, everyone was rooted by shock, but Moody and a few veteran Aurors took after them, but they were too late, once on the street, Quirrell and Peter apparated.
Rain drenched down on the Aurors, their hearts heavy with remorse. They had their first casualty.
Inside Amelia knelt beside Clarence and held his head gingerly, his eyes were closed, she hated knowing what she knew, she knew the other man was Quirrell, but she couldn't tip him off just yet, he was still attached to Voldemort. Instead, she cradled Clarence, "Your death will be justified, and you will be honored." She whispered to him.
They called St. Mungo's and after a final sweep through the Ministry and every non-Auror member escorted home, Amelia was in her office drinking half a bottle of Firewhiskey, it wasn't until early morning that she made it home with her own escort.
The next day back at Hogwarts, the Great Hall was filled with owls, letters of concerned parents, newspapers being delivered, and everyone learned of what happened.
"Epic danger at Hogwarts!"
"Peter Pettigrew is alive, Sirius Black is innocent!"
"Incompetence of the Ministry Exposed!"
"Betrayal of best friends!"
"The Boy Who Lived, Greater Wizard Ever!"
The headlines went on and on, some reports being exaggerated, others with a hint of truth, but Xeno's was the most accurate, with a promise of an exclusive follow up interview with Harry and Amelia.
The Brigade members stayed in the infirmary for the rest of the week, most to keep them away from the crowds, on Tuesday news spread that Voldemort was recruiting again, that Peter escaped and is now wanted, and on Wednesday Clarence's death was reported as the first death of this second war.
On Saturday afternoon Dumbledore walked in, seeing everyone talking he asked for a moment with Harry.
Harry went back to his bed, and sat down as Dumbledore did, "How are you Harry?"
Harry shrugged, he knew this was coming, he wanted to believe so desperately Dumbledore cared and that he wasn't just some tool to be used.
"None of this is your fault Harry, you did what you thought was best, but you are a child. I can guide you, if you let me." Dumbledore gently persisted.
Harry's heart sank, there it was the subtle manipulation.
"It's ok Headmaster, I have my friends, and soon my godfather." Harry said with a rueful smile.
Dumbledore nodded, "Now Harry, Sirius may not be the best, he's been gone for so long, and you are safer at your Aunt and Uncle.."
Harry interrupted him, "No, I am not, you don't know what I've been through, sir, and once Sirius is out, I'm going to live with him."
"Now Harry, I don't think that can be possible, as executor of your parents' will, I advise against it." Dumbledore told him firmly.
Harry fumed, "Well as their executor, you should do as the will says then, the original will." Harry didn't care right then, let Dumbledore know that he was caught.
Dumbledore looked down, "I see."
He stood up and looked at Harry, "I once knew a boy who went down a dark path, I am trying to save you Harry."
Harry glared at him, "Save me? Or are you trying to save yourself somehow?"
Dumbledore's eyes went dark, he left the infirmary unnerved, if Harry left Petunia's care, then the spell would break and Harry would be an easy target.
Dumbledore made his way to his office and summoned Severus and Minerva, when they arrived Dumbledore explained his intentions to keep Harry at Privet Drive.
To his surprise, they strongly disagreed, "I'm sorry Albus, but Sirius is the rightful guardian of Harry, if Harry wants to, and Sirius has the means, there is no stopping this, not even a trial will work. Sirius was framed, do you really think anyone would vote to taking his godson from him?" Minerva laid out the truth for him.
Severus remained quiet and once Minerva left, Dumbledore turned to plead with him, "Severus, I need you to step in, go visit Harry's Aunt and convince her to stay."
Severus stare was cold, "You let me believe it was my fault. I thought I killed Lily."
Dumbledore sighed, "It was your fault to begin with, you told Voldemort about the prophecy, now I need you to.."
Severus cut him off, "You need me to do nothing, I will continue to spy for you. But I will no longer risk myself any danger, do you understand?"
Dumbledore frowned, "I gave you a home, I gave you credit when everyone doubted you!"
"And you kept me as a lap dog!" Severus spat back.
Dumbledore got up and stood behind Severus, placing his hands on Severus' shoulders, "I did what I had to protect you, imagine if the Voldemort came back, could you have held back if you knew the truth?"
Severus moved away, "So you used me instead? To your convenience?"
Dumbledore held on to the chair, "I protected you." He repeated.
"I'll say this once more Albus, I will continue to spy, if the Dark Lord returns, I will do what you asked from me. But if my life comes in danger in any way. I will watch this world burn." Severus threatened and walked out.
Albus felt he aged years, he was worried about what happened in this short week. Everything felt like it was unraveling, he summoned one other person.
Aurora arrived shortly after, "Yes, Headmaster?" She asked cautiously.
Dumbledore gave her a large smile, "Aurora dear come, sit."
Once done, Dumbledore continued, "Aurora, have you given any thought to your future?"
"My future?" Aurora asked with confusion, she was not expecting this.
"Yes, you see I know I'll be retiring in a few years, and Minerva will be taking my place, but someone needs to take hers." He started casually.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, "I thought Flitwick would be the one to step in."
Dumbledore chuckled, "No, the decision rests with me. How would you like to be considered?"
Aurora was surprised, this was something she wanted long before, but now, now she wasn't so sure. "May I think on it?"
Dumbledore frowned just slightly, "As you wish." He showed her out, he felt the seed planted. He would just wait for it to take root.
Aurora almost walked out of the door, but she turned around, "Headmaster?"
'There it is.' Dumbledore thought to himself.
"Yes." He asked out loud.
Aurora clasped her hands behind her back, "Sir, maybe you can tell me what plans you have? For the future."
Dumbledore smiled, "But of course, the main important one is to Harry, there are bad influences among him, he needs guidance, perhaps, you can be that guidance?"
Aurora nodded and together they talked about the future of Hogwarts and Harry; yes she believed Harry, but she believed in Dumbledore, there was no greater wizard after all.