Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and I do not own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fan fiction.
A/N: Shoutout to Nanchih for being my 200th reviewer!
Chapter Fourteen
Lord Arcturus Black III, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, was more than angry as he walked into Gringotts with his ward Harry Potter and their respective solicitors, he was furious. Even though he kept his face expressionless, people who saw him in the bank lobby quickly moved out of the way, for fear the cold rage in his eyes would be turned on them if they fell into his notice.
Despite the rage simmering just under the surface however, the hand on the shoulder of his young ward was gentle. The lad had been through enough already at the hands of his aunt and uncle; he wasn't going to be the cause of additional pain to the boy. However, Arcturus still stalked to one of the teller windows in as controlled a manner as his rage would allow.
"We have an appointment with Account Manager Krogund. Please inform him of our arrival."
Within minutes, all four were ushered into Krogund's office; he briefly took note of the confused look on Harry's face.
"I take it you've never seen a goblin before today, have you Mr. Potter?" Krogund asked. As Harry simply shook his head, Krogund tried to explain.
"You could say that my race is especially good with finance, Mr. Potter. We can usually find the best ways to earn the maximum amount of money. It's for this reason that witches and wizards use our bank for their money. And just like any other bank you may have seen, each wizard or witch that has money in this bank does so with an account. Goblins prefer high security for valuables and money, so in this bank, each account holder has one particular area in the bank where their account is located, what we in Gringotts call a 'vault'. Understand?"
"So everybody with money here has something like their own personal safe to put everything in?"
"Very like a safe, yes. Every account vault also has a key to open the vault when a bank customer wants to take money out, or put money in. Now, I'm sure you have many more questions, which I'm sure that Lord Black or your solicitor will be able to answer, or I will, however, we have other things which must be taken care of first."
"Indeed," Arcturus said, his voice a low growl.
"Lord Black, as I told you in my letter, Albus Dumbledore attempted to gain access to Mr. Potter's vault today. He was unsuccessful of course, but it does raise a concern. Lord Black, if Gringotts had not already been notified that young Mr. Potter was your ward, we would have had to allow Mr. Dumbledore access to the vault; he is in possession of at least one of the keys attached to the Potter estate, maybe more. I recommend that all of the vaults be rekeyed after Mr. Potter claims his ring."
"I have an account here? Then why did Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia always tell me that my parents died broke and drunk in a car crash? Uncle Vernon always told me about how much money I cost him and Aunt Petunia, because my parents didn't leave anything to take care of me. Why didn't anybody tell me?" Harry asked, voice breaking.
"You were told your parents died in a car crash? Mr. Potter, that isn't anywhere close to being the truth. When your uncle would tell you about money spent to care for you, do you remember any amounts mentioned?" Krogund took a quill and parchment from his desk, preparing to take notes.
"Uncle Vernon got mad when my school said I had to get my eyes checked because I couldn't see the board. He yelled at me about how getting my eyes checked cost two hundred pounds, and my glasses cost another fifty pounds. But my glasses didn't cost that much, I know they didn't, because Aunt Petunia made me get the frames from a barrel they had for charity and only cost Aunt Petunia ten pounds."
"Krogund, after he claims his ring and the vaults are rekeyed, I want every vault attached to the Potter estate audited. We need to know where every knut, sickle, and galleon went, and in what frequency. I'll pay for the time myself to get it done. I also want included in the audit just who authorized each transaction," Arcturus stated flatly.
"I already have our forensic accountant looking over the Dursleys' financial records. Mr. Stanton offered to pay the cost of her services if you did not. Shall I also bill your account for the forensic accountant in addition to the audit?"
"Yes, as Mr. Potter is my ward, I will cover any expenses required until he is of age to do so himself."
"Then let's move on to the next point of the meeting," Krogund said, removing a bowl and dagger from one of the drawers on his desk, and then setting them on top of the desk next to a fresh piece of parchment.
"Mr. Potter, in order for you to claim the ring as Heir of the Potter family, I must ask you to prick a finger with the dagger and let three drops of blood fall onto the parchment. This will give us the proof needed to bring the ring from the vault here."
Swallowing slightly, Harry picked up the dagger and pressed the tip of his index finger to the point. Once it was bleeding, he held his hand over the parchment and watched as three drops of blood fell, landing in the center. Slowly, words began to form.
Harry James Potter b. 31 July 1980
Father: James Charlus Potter b 27 March 1960-d 31 October 1981
Mother: Lily Janet Potter nee Evans b 30 January 1960-d 31 October 1981
Heir of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter (assumes Lordship upon eleventh birthday)-father, James Charlus Potter
Presumptive Heir of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black-Godfather, Sirius Orion Black
Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell (assumes Lordship upon eleventh birthday)-father, James Charlus Potter
"It seems Mr. Potter is presumptive Heir to the House of Black, Lord Black, and upon his eleventh birthday is entitled to the Lordships of two Houses; Potter and Peverell. Now, Mr. Potter, to rekey the vaults so no one but you or your guardian may open them, please prick your finger and place three drops of blood in the bowl."
After looking at Arcturus and getting a nod, Harry again pressed his index finger to the tip of the dagger, then held his hand over the bowl when it was bleeding slightly. After the third drop of blood hit the bowl, it was surrounded by a red mist. When the mist cleared, four keys lay in the bottom of the bowl.
"Four keys, Krogund? I would assume two of them were for the main family vault for the Potters, and one for Mr. Potter's trust vault, but why the other two keys?" Arcturus questioned.
"The other two keys would be for the trust and family vaults for the Peverell account, Lord Black. As Mr. Potter is also Heir to that House, he would reasonably have access to those vaults as well."
"Bring the relevant rings, Krogund. Once young Mr. Potter claims them, no one but he or his guardian has the right to decide anything for him. If the Potter or Peverell rings are anything like the rings for the House of Black, he should be protected from people trying to potion or control him with Legilimency. I also want a full audit of the Peverell vaults and other assets performed. Mr. Potter will need to understand how to manage the estates when he is of age, so to make sure that all is as it should be, I'll need an accurate accounting of everything going forward."
"Of course, Lord Black. Mr. Stanton, you look concerned."
"What of the heirlooms, Krogund? Would there be a record if one was removed from one of the vaults? And would there be a record of who removed an heirloom if that happened?"
"There would be a full list of heirlooms by type, and within each type, the number of said type. For example, if there is heirloom jewelry, it would be divided into categories like brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and sets, with a list of how many necklaces there were with a description of each. And yes, each time an heirloom is removed, it is recorded."
Kyle nodded, making a note, and then looked over at Lord Black, raising an eyebrow. Arcturus nodded in silent understanding. He was also concerned that Albus Dumbledore might have helped himself to the heirlooms in the vaults, using the excuse he was withdrawing the item for Harry. Krogund summoned the Heir rings, and placed the boxes for each on the desk.
Opening the first box, Krogund tilted it to show Harry the family crest on the ring.
"This is the ring for the Heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I know it looks too large right now, but if you are truly the Heir, the ring will shrink down to fit your hand. The ring would be put on the index finger of your left hand, Mr. Potter. Please put it on now."
Harry reached out and took the ring, putting it on his finger. His eyes widened as he watched the ring shrink until it felt snug. Then Krogund opened the second box, turning it to show the crest on the ring inside.
"This is the ring for the Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell. Again, if you are truly the Heir, it will shrink to fit your hand. This ring would be put on the index finger of your right hand, Mr. Potter. Please put it on now."
Again, Harry reached out and took the ring, putting it on his finger, watching as it did indeed shrink to fit his hand.
"Lord Black, what do these rings mean? I don't understand."
"Mr. Potter, what those rings mean is, when you are older you will be the Head of the Houses Potter and Peverell. You would be in charge of making sure that the reputations of both stay honorable and good, if you have anyone who needs protection, such as I do with you because you are the godson of my grandson, you would be able to do that, provided they have a connection to that House. You would also be responsible for making sure that there is enough money to help run the House, paying expenses and bills, making sure there is always enough food, stays clean and tidy, things like that, since right now there isn't a Lady of either House."
"How will I know how to do any of that? Aunt Petunia taught me how to cook and clean, but nothing about the rest of it."
"Mr. Potter, that will be part of what I teach you in your lessons for estate management. I will make sure you aren't unprepared," Arcturus responded matter of factly.
"Lord Black, may I assume you would want copies of the documents prepared today?" Krogund inquired.
"Yes, and see to the rekeying of the vaults as already discussed. The keys that were in the bowl were more than likely recalled from whoever had them in their possession. I don't want someone being able to claim their key was lost and asking for a replacement. Invoice my vault for the cost."
"I'll see to it personally, Lord Black. I will also forward the results of the audits to you in a day or so. Then you may decide what you wish to do if there is anything amiss."
"Then I will bid you good afternoon, Krogund. There are still details to be finalized for Mr. Potter's birthday celebration tomorrow."
As the small group left the office, the three adults exchanged a glance. All three suspected that more than just heirlooms might have been taken by Albus Dumbledore. They would know for certain when the audits were completed.
OOO
Albus Dumbledore was furious. He had attempted to access Harry Potter's vaults, only to be denied by the goblins. He tried explaining he was the Executor of the Potters' estate, and they still turned him away! Sooner or later Harry's relatives would be out of jail, especially if Albus had anything to say about it, and they would notice immediately that the stipend of two hundred galleons wasn't in their bank account, although it was converted to muggle money in the amount of nine hundred ninety five pounds when it transferred.
The money that Albus had agreed to pay Vernon, that night in mid-November, shortly after he had made his one and only visit to the Dursleys to check on Harry. He had explained to Vernon that he needed Harry to grow up with a sense of humility, easily led, and not prone to asking questions. Vernon Dursley has assured him that he could make sure the boy could be raised to be obedient to an adult, but there would be a price. For all of the time until her sister died, Petunia would rant to Vernon about the amount of attention her sister Lily received from their parents. Vernon wanted money to ensure that their children would be raised to know they were more important than some orphan they were forced to live with, despite the fact that orphan was family. And so Albus agreed, making sure the stipend for Harry's care was sent to the Dursleys every month. And now, thanks to the goblins, Albus no longer could make sure the money was transferred.
Harry Potter needed to be returned to the Dursleys as soon as he could arrange their release from jail. No other option, to Albus' mind, was feasible.
Drawing the latest copy of The Daily Prophet toward him, he began to read, trying to think of a way to manipulate things to achieve the outcome he needed. And after the Dursleys were released, he could concentrate more fully on locating Harry Potter.
OOO
The next morning, Brian Greengrass Flooed to the Ministry of Magic. He had no idea how long it would be to obtain all of the paperwork that Lord Black had demanded, so he arrived a half hour after the Ministry opened for visitors. After checking his wand with the Welcome Witch, he started toward the Hall of Records. Working from the birth of Sirius Black forward seemed the most logical way to obtain everything. It was on the way to the next Department, and the Office for the Improper Use of Magic, that Brian collided with someone, managing to cause the both of them to lose their balance. Focusing on who he had just bumped into, the first thing he noticed was the red hair.
"Oh, Mr. Weasley, I beg your pardon, I wasn't watching where I was going. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Mr. Greengrass. As hectic as things are at home at times, you learn to take such things as accidental, and no harm done. I wanted to bring my son Percy with me for a short time. He's just finished his second year at Hogwarts, and said he wanted to see the Ministry again now he's had a little schooling and can understand a bit better what everyone does here."
"Well understanding things as well as you can is always a good idea in my book, young man. So is there anything you hope to see in particular? Perhaps I can suggest others as well. I would offer to show you one or two places myself, but I'm here on business."
"I don't think so, sir. Dad says you shouldn't bother people who have things to do," Percy Weasley answered.
"And he's absolutely right, unless it's an emergency of course. I saw when I bumped into your father that you dropped your pet's cage. Why would you bring your pet to the Ministry, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh, I take him everywhere, sir. The Headmaster said I was allowed to keep him, although rats aren't on the list for pets at Hogwarts. So I have a cage he can sleep in while at school or when I need to take him somewhere."
"A rat, you say? How unusual. I've never heard of a magical species of rat before. May I see him? I can delay finishing my business here for a bit longer."
In answer, Percy held up the cage, displaying the rat. Brian noted that the animal had backed against the back of the cage away from the door, and looked to be almost shivering, but that couldn't be possible in the middle of summer. Then Brian saw it; on the front paw of the animal, one of the toes was missing.
Alarmed now, Brian looked at Arthur Weasley, and cleared his throat. He had to word this carefully if what he suspected was true.
"Mr. Weasley, may I suggest having your son's pet checked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures? I notice the animal has an injury; I'd like to be certain that it doesn't have an infection or other illness which could harm your family. I would be happy to pay for the testing myself, as it's my idea."
"I couldn't possibly," Arthur began, only to be cut off by Brian.
"I insist. If the animal is infected with something and goes back to Hogwarts with your son, it wouldn't be only your own family put at risk, but every student in the House your son was Sorted into."
Nodding in agreement, Arthur and his son followed Brian to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Once there, Brian picked up a form to request a magical pet be examined. While filling it out, he made sure to note on the form the possible need for an Auror, as well as his suspicion the animal was an Animagus. A few minutes after turning in the form and paying the fee for the exam, one of the Department workers as well as an Auror came into the room.
"Dad, why is an Auror here? Did I do something wrong?" Percy asked, worried expression on his face. The Auror smiled slightly before answering Percy.
"Well young man, you didn't do anything wrong, but I'm here just in case the person who tests your pet somehow hurts him. I can make sure she gets punished for it, okay?"
Percy seemed to think for a moment, and then handed over the cage to the Department employee.
"Young man, just to keep your pet from moving around too much, I'm going to put a light sleeping spell on him first. Otherwise some of the spells could hurt him if he squirms or runs around while they're cast."
Lightly tapping her wand on the rat inside the cage, she waited until it went to sleep, then began her scans. The first few were normal, and then she did the next one. Seeing the glow around the rat turn from blue to yellow, she exchanged a glance with the Auror.
"Mr. Weasley, may I suggest you take your son out of the room? Something unusual just came up in the scans, and I don't want your son hurt."
Looking worried, Arthur led Percy from the room after meeting the eyes of the three other adults. After he had gone, the Auror removed the still sleeping rat from the cage and laid it on the floor before stunning the animal.
"It seems your suspicion the rat was an Animagus was correct, Brian. The only question is, who is it? If the person is unregistered, that's automatically a year in Azkaban, which is why I stunned the animal," the Auror said, "but we still need to get whoever this is to revert back to human. It won't be easy, but it can be done. Am I going to need backup once the reversal is done?"
"In your position, I would have backup. We don't know yet who this is, and the only kinds of people who might be an Animagus without registering would be those who spy on others for profit, and Death Eaters that were never apprehended in an effort to hide, in my opinion."
After exchanging another glance with the Ministry employee, the Auror sent a message for backup for a suspicious situation, giving his location. A few minutes later, another Auror walked in.
"What's the suspicious situation, everyone? Not often an Auror gets called to this Department in the Ministry," the new Auror said, looking around.
"Possible unregistered Animagus. We don't know yet who it might be, so I called for backup before we did the reversal."
"I understand. I'll be ready with a restraining spell and magic suppression cuffs."
The first Auror renewed the stunning spell, and after a glance at the Ministry employee, raised a hand with three fingers held up. Taking that to mean the spell would be cast on three, everyone nodded, and the Auror began counting. On the signal, they cast the reversal spell, and watched in shock as the rat transformed into a dirty, overweight, balding man. The second Auror immediately hit the man with an Incarcerous, and then placed magic suppressing cuffs on his wrists. Walking slowly around the bound man, Brian took a close look at his face and hands. Finding the missing finger, Brian looked up.
"This looks like Peter Pettigrew from the descriptions I've been given. Before he's woken from the stunners, someone do me a favor and check his arm for a Dark Mark. I've heard more than one person suggest that Sirius Black wasn't Secret Keeper for the Potters. And even if he was, if this man is a Death Eater, then we need to find out before we do anything else," the second Auror said.
After rolling the stunned man over to gain access to his left arm, the sleeve was cut open from cuff to elbow. Watching the fabric part, all four saw the distinctive snake and skull of the Dark Mark on his arm. Nodding at the first Auror, the second levitated the now-identified Death Eater out the door, pausing to speak to his colleague.
"I'll see you back in the DMLE; we're both going to need to write reports on this, and I'm going to assume Madam Bones will want this prisoner in one of the more secure holding cells for now. I'll let her know he changes to a rat, as well."
"I'll be there in a moment; I just need to finish here."
After the Auror left, the Ministry employee turned to Brian.
"What do you plan to tell Mr. Weasley and his son? We promised we wouldn't hurt the boy's pet."
"That will depend on whether or not the DMLE believes Mr. Weasley was knowingly allowing a Death Eater to hide in his home. If it was only chance he was there, I, or rather we, tell them that the rat was deemed a danger and sent to another Department to be dealt with. I can leave a few Galleons here so Mr. Weasley is able to replace his son's pet, since getting it checked out was my idea in the first place."
"That sounds reasonable. At least we were able to get another of those monsters off the street."
"That's true. I'll ask Mr. Weasley to come in and then I need to get back to what I was doing when I bumped into him today. Bad start to the day for the boy, though. I got the impression he was attached to his pet."
"We also might be able to get Mr. Weasley some extra money as a reward," the Auror interjected, "when you consider the Death Eater that was just taken into custody was brought in the Ministry in a cage, even though he was transformed into a rat at the time. Assisting in the capture of a Death Eater still has a reward attached to it."
"That may help curb any resentment before it begins. Since I assume the man in question is Peter Pettigrew, do you have any idea of when or if he'll come to trial? I'd like to be informed if possible," Brian said, looking at the Auror.
"That's up to Madam Bones and the schedule of the Wizengamot."
"I see. Thank you for your help today. I'll just go fetch Mr. Weasley and be on my way. I have business for a client to take care of today, and my client would prefer I have this task finished sooner rather than later."
After informing Arthur Weasley he could come back in, Brian continued to the Hall of Records. On the form for requesting records, Brian left it open ended, simply writing down the name 'Sirius Orion Black', and the man's birthdate. He hoped the records brought up would only be about his client, as he knew his client was the third 'Sirius Black' to be named in the House of Black. It would appear that his long day had just begun. He also needed to inform Lord Black of his progress so far. He was sure that Lord Arcturus Black would find it extremely interesting that the man his grandson had been sent to Azkaban for allegedly murdering had been found alive. After receiving the records, he checked the time. He would have just enough time to go home before his daughters were supposed to leave for Harry Potter's birthday celebration.
OOO
Arcturus looked around his home, evaluating the decorations the house elves had festooned his smaller ballroom with, and tried to decide if anything needed changed. Along the walls were paper ribbons in various colors, and a few tables where games were set up, as well as a table for any gifts to be placed. Arcturus himself had already placed his own gift there. Above the table that held the cake and other refreshments was a banner reading 'Happy Birthday Harry'. A single long table was set for the guests to eat the meal before the cake was cut. After some consideration, Arcturus decided the decorations were more than adequate for a nine year old boy. All of the guests with the exception of the Malfoys had accepted the invitation, although he noted his cousin Narcissa had sent a gift. He didn't expect anything else from Narcissa however. Her husband Lucius demanded complete obedience and would likely have denied his permission for his son Draco to attend.
"Jilly," Arcturus called, beginning to leave the decorated room. A small pop signaled the house elf's arrival.
"Master calls Jilly? How may Jilly serve?"
"Where is young Mr. Potter? I haven't seen the lad since breakfast."
"Young Master Harry be with his tutor, Master. Young Master's tutor be asking him to read history books this lesson. Shall Jilly be fetching Young Master Harry?"
"No Jilly, his lessons are important. When the lesson is over however, please remind him he is to come to the small ballroom for his celebration. I expect him to be properly attired, Jilly. You will make certain of that, won't you?"
"Jilly help Young Master Harry with clothing, Master. Jilly not wanting Young Master Harry to make Master's House look bad, no, so Jilly be helping Young Master Harry."
"Then I will leave that in your hands, Jilly, thank you."
As Jilly popped away, an owl began tapping on the window, a letter attached to its leg. Arcturus crossed to the window and opened it, allowing the owl inside before taking the letter.
Lord Arcturus Black
Black Moor
Opening the envelope, he drew out the piece of parchment and unfolded it.
To Lord Arcturus Black III, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, Greetings:
Dear Lord Black:
While at the Ministry of Magic today, I ran into Mr. Arthur Weasley and his son Percival. Young Mr. Weasley had his pet-a rat-in a cage with him. Remembering what your grandson Sirius had told me in our meetings, I suggested the rat be examined in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
Sir, the rat was no rat at all, but the transformed Peter Pettigrew, whom your grandson has been accused of allegedly murdering. Aurors have since taken Mr. Pettigrew into custody, not only for being as I assume, an unregistered animagus, but because on further examination after his transformation from rat to human, he was found to bear the Dark Mark on his arm. I have asked to be kept informed as to when or if Mr. Pettigrew is brought to trial.
I have also been able to obtain the records you requested, and will have the report on those records for you soon. I have already made copies for my files and will bring the originals to you if you wish, when I bring my daughters to young Harry's birthday celebration.
Respectfully,
Brian Gerald Greengrass
Greengrass, Morton, and Stanton
Replacing the parchment back into the envelope, Arcturus nodded in satisfaction. It was going to be extremely difficult for the Wizengamot to justify holding his grandson in Azkaban for murder when the alleged victim was still alive. He made a mental note to be certain to attend the Wizengamot session when the man was brought to trial.
No one was permitted to harm his family and get away unscathed. He quickly wrote a message to Brian Greengrass, verifying that he wanted the originals of the records, and sent it off before retreating to his study. There was still business to attend to before the celebration began.
OOO
Harry walked into the small ballroom and looked around with wide eyes. The only experience he had with birthday parties was his cousin Dudley, and those usually meant trying to avoid being beaten up by Dudley and his friends while at the same time seeing the mountain of presents and sweets Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia always gave him. Not only was there a banner on the wall wishing him a happy birthday, there was a table with presents, and other kids his age had come. Looking around, the only person he recognized among the children was Hermione Granger, the girl he'd met at the summer program. Walking forward, he tentatively smiled. The first child to come forward was a small, slightly chubby boy about his age.
"Hello, Harry, and Happy Birthday! I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Neville Longbottom. Your Mum was my godmother, so we used to spend time together when we were babies, according to my grandmother."
"So we're godbrothers? I never knew I had a godbrother; Aunt Petunia never said anything about it."
"Not sure why she wouldn't have told you, but yes. Come on, and I'll introduce you around, since you're looking a bit lost."
After the introductions, Harry was still a bit nervous. With the exception of meeting Hermione at the summer program, he wasn't very familiar with the rest of the children. He didn't want to mess up and say the wrong thing; Lord Black might not be happy. Finally, he did the only thing he could think of, and suggested they play one of the games. There was a Cluedo game on one of the tables, and fortunately it was one he was familiar with, having seen it played at Dudley's parties.
After the game was over, Lord Black announced it was time for the meal before the cake was cut. Harry had gotten used to the food just appearing on the plate since coming to stay with Lord Black, so simply began his meal. Hermione however, was surprised and curious.
"How did the food just appear? I've never seen anything like that before."
"The house elves more than likely sent it, Hermione. It's part of their job," Harry answered her.
"House elves? What are house elves?"
"Well, I was told they're cousins of the elves that help Father Christmas. They help with chores and things."
"So do they do magic like the elves that help Father Christmas?"
"Well, they can disappear and reappear by snapping their fingers. That might be magic."
Curiosity partially satisfied, Hermione began eating. She hoped her new friend liked her gift. One day before a party doesn't give a lot of time to shop. She also didn't know anyone here beyond Harry or his guardian, so just watched the people around her.
Two hours later, after all of the gifts had been opened, and the cake cut and eaten, Harry stood with Lord Black in the entryway to say goodbye to everyone and thank them for coming. It was something that Lord Black had told him was expected, and the polite thing to do. At least Lord Black explained everything to him when he told him about rules and things. His Aunt Petunia only said to not do this or that, but never said why. So the way Lord Black explained everything made more sense to him.
After the last guest had left, Harry looked at his guardian.
"Thank you sir. I had fun today, even though I was meeting almost everyone for the first time today."
"You're more than welcome, Mr. Potter. A young boy should be able to celebrate the day he was born. Now I'm sure your tutor has left assignments for you, so why don't you get started on them before it's time for bed?"
"Yes sir, and thank you again."
Watching Harry walk away, Arcturus wondered how long it would be before the fact Peter Pettigrew was in a holding cell in the Ministry appeared in the Daily Prophet. It would certainly make for interesting reading when it did. It would also raise doubts as to his grandson's guilt, which would certainly help in Sirius' trial.
He wished he could see the looks on the faces of the people who had signed the order to transport Sirius to Azkaban when the news broke. It would surely be a sight.