Hey everyone,
Last Criminal, last twist in the story.
Let's duel,

Venquine1990
PS. 2021-11-13. because very few people received a notification for these last three chapters, I tried changing my email address and decided to delete and repost this chapter. To see if that fixed the email notification issue. If so, I will let you know.

Chapter 25
Whose Side Are You On – Part 03

29th of August 1995
Courtroom 10, MoM
Amelia's POV

I have little doubt that Harry doesn't also have a plan in mind to punish our next criminal.

I used the break following Hagrid's sentence to discuss the finer details of said sentence with Sirius. I wanted to be absolutely 1000% certain that the man wouldn't be given the chance to escape.
But Sirius and Harry had discussed every potential possibility – even the most ludicrous like Hagrid feigning an illness to get someone to come over to send him medical aid and then overpower said aide – and had come up with a solution around each and every potential situation.
"If he does so, Dobby will freeze the muscles in his body and take Molly to see him. She's as done with him as Harry is. She'll check him over, if needed treat him and then let Dobby pop her out again. And Gringotts has already signed a contract where Bill will be allowed to escort her as well as her bodyguard if this is to happen.

He's never leaving that island, Amelia, trust me."

I do trust the man, but I also deeply care for him. Because of this, I wait for Sirius at the entrance to the courtroom after the break is over. I let the other Lords and Ladies through, but hold out a hand to stop Sirius from passing me.

"Sirius, you know who's coming up next. I know you're under another Calming Draught already, but I must ask you. Sit this one out. For your own sake."
Sirius doesn't sigh in defeat, simply because the draught makes him almost incapable of feeling anything but the flimsiest emotions, yet he says:
"I will gladly and honorably wait outside, but I must request permission to be present for the sentencing. I am representing House Potter here and Harry wants to voice his third idea of punishment. He worked until five minutes to midnight last night to come up with this one."

I want to agree with this compromise, but apparently my Auror didn't realize that I would be delaying one of the Lords of the Wizengamot.
He and his squadron are already escorting Peter Pettigrew, who looks more like an underfed and sick little rodent than I have ever seen anyone before him, into the room.
The men see us both and while Auror Houges cringes in guilt, Pettigrew surprises us all.

"SIRIUS! YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE ME! I DID IT FOR THEM! I DID TO PROTECT THEM! FROM DUMBLEDORE!"

Sirius and I share a glance and I can see that this is almost enough to affect Sirius, even with the Calming Draught running through his system.
I know it's against protocol, but I can't help myself. I demand Pettigrew to explain. The man looks worryingly relieved and starts to talk in a hurried manner.
"I'm a Rat Animagus, you know this. I used it to spy on Dumbledore and the Order, I won't deny this. But one day, when I was doing so, I followed Dumbledore when he was interviewing a new Divinations Teacher.
He did so in the Hogs Head, the pub owned by his brother Aberforth. I had noticed that Snape, who is also a Death Eater, was also following the man, but he hadn't spotted me and neither had Dumbledore. So I kept myself hidden and listened in.

At first it was obvious that Dumbledore wasn't very interested in the woman or in the chance of getting a new Divinations teacher. And it was also obvious that, while the woman was related to a famous Seer, she herself just didn't have the gift.
I almost believed the recon mission to be a bust and was ready to sneak back out when the atmosphere in the whole area changed. Instantly, because I had had Divinations myself when I was a student, I realized what was happening;

A prophesy was about to spoken.
And it was a moment later that it happened.

Sirius, I sensed it. I saw it. I saw Dumbledore cast all kinds of spells on that woman. He warped her and with that warped her prophesy. He made it so that his demise would be dependent on a child. It could have been something completely different, but he forced it that way.
You know him, Sirius, you know he's strong enough to do this.

I was horrified when I realized and was almost caught in my attempt to escape. Then I noticed how he kept meeting with James and Lily as well as Frank and Alice. So after he made his fourth meeting with the first two, I did the same. I transformed, hid myself and spied on him.
Sirius, he put them under Confundus Charms. He had been doing so each and every time he met with them. The Fidelius was his idea. But while he suggested it, he also suggested training Harry. He wanted it so that Harry would know how to march by age two and cast the Unforgivables by age 3. He didn't care, Sirius. He didn't care a bit that he was emotionally and mentally killing a child. Or that he was destroying the chance of two people to be parents.

He did it anyway.

So when you guys made me Secret Keeper, I did the only thing I could. I used a special ritual to gather all of my family magic within me and used it to break his hold on them. That happened the night before we cast the spell.
Sirius, they told me to betray them. They told me to let Voldemort kill them. It was their idea, Sirius, theirs.
I asked them why not report Dumbledore? They said no one would believe them, especially not Hagrid or McGonagall and I knew they were right. Not even the ICW would. Not with how strong his influence was, even there.
And the ICW was also the reason they didn't just run or flee, Sirius. They didn't think they could. They were afraid that he would send the ICW after them or make them out for traitors with the Order or something. That he would turn you and Remus and me and the others against them."

I really don't know what to think.

On one hand the story has some legitimacy to it, especially since we discovered about Dumbledore's sick fascination with the prophesy that Pettigrew is talking about. At the same time him spying on Dumbledore in such a public and open location sounds plausible.
But what the man says about the Potters, their fear for Dumbledore and their belief that he would turn someone as loyal as Sirius against them has me doubting this entire story.

Because of this I take the only action I can think of.

"We hear you, Pettigrew, but you have just admitted to having been a Death Eater for over 2 years by the time you betrayed the Potters. Because of this, I feel the need to question you – through the standard procedure – about any crimes you may have committed under than spying. Do you understand this?"
The relief on Pettigrew's face alerts the Auror deep within me, the skills that allowed me to get where I am today. But I keep my looks professional and don't show Pettigrew that I now suspect him even more. The man nods and even his nod has a hint of gratitude to it.

I whisper at Sirius to remain behind. The man understands that I mean that he should stay within the doorway and he nods to confirm this.
My Aurors and I escort Pettigrew inside. And while Sirius closes and locks the door behind him, he follows this up by leaning against the doors himself. His hands are behind his back and this proves that he is ready to leave the courtroom at a moment's notice.

Pettigrew is placed within the accused chair, which I know Unspeakable Croaker enchanted to be Animagus proof during the break, and the chains instantly close themselves around his ankles and his wrists.
I follow procedure, question Pettigrew on whether or not he understands the procedure that is about to take place and let Croaker administer the 3 drops of Veritaserum. And as soon as we have determined that the Potion is in effect and that we have verified Pettigrew's identity, I strike:

Amelia: "Peter Pettigrew, were any of the accusations you just laid against Albus Dumbledore true?"
Pettigrew: "No, they were not."

Amelia: "So everything you just told Sirius Black was a lie?"
Pettigrew: "Yes, it was."

Warning: A really long paragraph is incoming.

Amelia: "Why did you betray the Potters?"
Pettigrew: "I did everything for them. Without me the map would have never been as detailed as it was. Without me, Black and Potter would have never gained access to the Shrieking Shack whenever Lupin was transforming.
Without me, they would have never had all the candy that they always gave Lupin for his birthday and Christmas.
Without me, they would have forgotten to do at least 30% of their homework over the years. Without me, 68% of their pranks would have failed or been caught before they could go off.
Without me, they would have been killed 7 times over between 1978 and 1981. Without me, they would have lost limbs at least 9 times over between 1978 and 1981.
And still, when it all came down to it, that wrench and that bastard only trusted their son and Black and gave them everything. They would have left me with absolutely nothing.

They deserved to die.
I gladly betrayed them.
They betrayed me first."

I am desperately wishing that I had a Calming Draught coursing through my own system right now. I really want to rip the man to shreds for how selfish and arrogant he is sounding.
Instead, I just turn to Sirius. The man nods and steps up as he says: "I know some of you might want to hear more about the man's actions, his crimes and what he might have done in the years he was a Death Eater. And to an extent, I agree. Because of this, I suggest we question him on one more case and then move onto the sentence."

A lot of people are shocked that the man is able to stay this calm. Yet the look in his eyes proves everything. Sirius' knowledge about Harry's idea of punishment is the only thing keeping this man calm. Pettigrew's confession has worked straight through and nullified the effects of the Calming Draught that Sirius took earlier.
Sirius turns to his former friend and starts his questioning.

Sirius: "Peter Pettigrew, were you or were you not present at the Graveyard of Little Hangleton on the 24th of June in 1995?"
Pettigrew: "Yes, I was."

Sirius: "Are you the one to have killed Cedric Diggory?"
Pettigrew: "Yes, I was."

Sirius: "Why did you kill him?"
Pettigrew: "I had to follow Voldemort's orders in order to get my revenge on Harry Potter."

Sirius: "Why did you want revenge on Harry?"
Pettigrew: "As long as he lived, I wouldn't get what was rightfully mine. Lord Voldemort wanted him dead and I wanted the Potter fortune. It was in my best interest to follow orders."

Sirius: "So you didn't do it out of fear of Voldemort?"
Pettigrew: "No, I did not. I merely showed Voldemort fear, because it's what motivated him. He loves it when his followers fear him and it makes him work harder to achieve his goals."

Sirius: "You didn't fear that, if you failed him, he would kill you?"
Pettigrew: "I did fear that. But not as much as my need to get what's mine."

Then Sirius, whose face now proves that he is no longer affected by the Calming Draught as he has a look of utter self-loathing on his face, shocks, startles and even horrifies me.

Sirius: "You, Cedric, Harry and Voldemort were the only ones at that graveyard on the 24th of June. Lord Voldemort was, in the state he was in, dependent on you. You – you had the opportune moment to get your revenge and – and take out Voldemort all at the same time. Why didn't you?"
Pettigrew: "He was too close to the Port Key. So was Diggory. If I hit him, he would have been taken back and everyone would have been able to discern my signature from the spellwork. I wanted the Potter fortune and to take it for myself to another country. If I killed Potter and let him be taken back to Hogwarts, that would be made impossible."

Sirius: "Why – why do you believe that, upon the – the death of my son – the Goblins would distribute the Potter fortune?"
Pettigrew: "Because as long as the Black line exists, the Potter fortune would continue to exist. Thanks to the marriage of Dorea Black and Charlus Potter. It was part of their contract when they were married. They told me so in 1974."

Sirius: "You – you had the chance to make things right with everyone who ever trusted you. You could have been the hero who ridded the world of Lord Voldemort. Both Harry and Diggory would have vouched for you if you had killed Voldemort instead of Cedric that night. Why didn't you chose the money you could have been rewarded from that?"
Pettigrew: "I didn't think of that. It wouldn't have been the same. I wanted the Potter gold. No other gold would suffice. No other gold would quench my thirst for revenge."

Sirius: "You were within contact with my son for several years while he was vulnerable, unaware and asleep. Why did you not kill him during any of those nights?"
Pettigrew: "I didn't have anyone I could frame for the crime. The Mudblood and the Irish bastard weren't known to be anything other than neutral to Potter, Longbottom was considered too weak and I didn't think I'd be able to get away with framing another friend of the Potters.
And none of the boys had a wand that was compatible with me, I tested that in the first week of the 1991 schoolyear. The damage was blamed on the Irish brat back then."

Sirius: "Did you ever, in the time you were posing as Ronald Weasley's pet, cast any kind of spell on either him, Harry or their dorm mates?"
Pettigrew: "No, I didn't have a compatible wand and I didn't want Madam Pomfrey to find me out.

I really don't understand what is going on here.

Sirius is beyond obviously keeping it together but only barely. His eyes are almost black with rage, his whole body is tense, his hands are bleeding from how badly he is digging his nails into his palms, there are tears running down his face and he is either grinding his teeth or growling like the canine-Animagus that he is.
And yet he keeps questioning the horrible man in front of him. And even if it takes him several tries before he can get even half his questions out of his mouth, he just keeps on going. And I don't believe that the man is oblivious to how horrified everyone else has become.

But then it hits me.
This is for Harry.

The young man must want answers. He must want to know everything that has to do with Pettigrew and what he did to him – and what he didn't do to him.
Then I remember that the boy has a symbolic punishment in mind and I wonder: "Could Sirius be trying to make everyone hate Pettigrew so much they will happily agree with Harry's idea for punishment?"
This makes me wonder if the punishment is either too soft for some to consider it enough – or too horrible for some to consider it morally acceptable.
Yet because of the answers that Sirius is getting out of Pettigrew I also wonder: "Is there really any punishment that is bad enough it becomes morally unacceptable? Especially for someone like – like – like this?"

It suddenly occurs to me that it has been silent for several minutes while I was contemplating. Sirius is taking several deep breaths and turns to the Wizengamot at large. The Aurors that are stationed around the courtroom, but hidden from Pettigrew's sight, instantly return their full focus on the ratman, while Sirius speaks.
"Ladies and gentlemen. For a third time today we hear of the horrid and unacceptable crimes that someone was willing to commit against my son. For the third time I come before you with an idea for punishment courtesy of my boy's mind. For the third time today, I ask that you all hear me out."

Naturally everyone nods.
And the Marauder comes out.

Sirius smirks at Pettigrew and that smirk says it all. Peter Pettigrew is dead. He will not see the light of day come morning. Yet then, confusingly enough, the man continues his questioning.

Sirius: "Peter Pettigrew, is it true that Harry Potter saved your life in June of 1994?"
Pettigrew: "Yes, this is correct."

Sirius: "So you owe him a Life Debt?"
Pettigrew: "Yes, this is correct."

Instantly I get what the man is getting at and I love it. I just know that many of those around me are grinning just like I am as Sirius declares:
"Peter Pettigrew, in order to repay the Life Debt you owe Harry James Potter of House Potter, I hereby order you to transform and to never transform back for the rest of your days."
My grin is gone and my eyes are wide. The Unspeakable and the Aurors are looking at me questioningly. But Sirius winks at me and the look on his face says everything.

"Trust me."

I nod at him, notice that he is actually standing behind Pettigrew and out of the man's line of sight, and nod at my Aurors. Hesitantly Auror Houges walks over and undoes the chains holding Pettigrew to the chair. Instantly the rat transforms, but a second later, Sirius yells:

"Accio snake food."

And to everyone's astonishment the rat actually flies into the man's hand, squeaking and squealing like utter mad.
Sirius laughs and asks: "What? Did you really think that Harry would just condemn you to eternity in a form in which you can hide yourself away and escape your just desserts? Did you forget who his father was? Who adopted him?

You're as dumb as you're selfish, you filth.

And luckily enough Harry, who is currently under Fred and George's escort, is hiding himself in a snake exhibit in a zoo that he visited when he was 10 going on 11; a snake exhibit where he used his Parsletongue ability for the very first time, not that he knew it at the time.
Oh, and for those of you curious, it would appear that Harry lost his Parsletongue ability after Bill cleansed his scar. He has simply already gone to visit the exhibit once before this summer and has seen evidence that the snake within the exhibit recognized him.
Because of this my son feels confident that, if we let Dobby give this little bit of vermin to Fred and/or George, they will ensure he arrives where he belongs;

in the exhibit,
with the snake,
for feeding time."

Utter silence reigns within the Wizengamot. Absolutely no one is able to believe that Harry Potter planned for all this or that he planned these things out so splendidly.
Sirius turns to the visitor's portion of the courtroom and says: "Oh, Harry did also mention that one time that he spoke Parsletongue during a Dueling Club event or something. But unfortunately, that snake was conjured and not actually real and was also destroyed by Snape that same day.
Otherwise, Harry would have suggested using that one. He did admit that he felt it was a shame as Pettigrew getting eaten by a Snake conjured by a Snake is just too poetic in his eyes."

Yet at this Estrela Greengrass speaks up and says: "Lord Black, does your Heir really require us to send this rat to the exhibit? Because I would be more than happy to perform the same spell that was cast during the event you described."
I am almost expecting Sirius to accept this proposal, but the man surprises me once again. He sighs and says: "I appreciate your words, Lady Greengrass. But while I agree with my son, he voiced another reason he wished to be present. He wants to see the death of the man

That killed Cedric.

So either we call Harry here and summon the snake
Or we transport the snake to where he and the twins are waiting.
To me, it really doesn't matter anymore. I just want justice.
For my friends and for my son. And, I admit, for myself as well."

Everyone nods and I decide to let it be decided through a vote. I offer the first suggestion and then the second. And to my amazement the second suggestion wins with only 2 votes.
Sirius nods and a minute later Harry and the twins are brought before the Wizengamot and everything is explained to them.
Harry sighs and repeats his father's words. He just wants to see justice for the friend he never really got to have.

No one disagrees with these words and while Amos joins her, Estrela heads down to join us at the base of the courtroom.
The snake in question is summoned and Sirius throws the rat its way. And with stone-cold looks on most of our faces – and a small sense of satisfaction – we watch as the boa constrictor swallows the rat whole, the rodent's last squeak of horrified fear being swallowed with it.

Justice at last,
And some of you might ask: "But what about Cedric's letter?" He told Harry not to blame himself. He never said anything about Harry not avenging his death.
And to be honest, the whole thing with Estrela conjuring the snake wasn't even planned. I just decided to leave the punishment of all these wizards to the wizards as that's the one world Pettigrew hurt the most and committed the most crimes against.
Next chapter – which will come out either next month or for Christmas – will be the First of September and the little secret that Estrela hinted at in Chapter 24. Though, because you've all been such great help to me with the whole teacher thing, I'll give you a hint:
Arthur Weasley,

Venquine1990
PS. I am writing this at 20:00 on Halloween. No way would I have been able to write another chapter and post this whole thing before midnight.