Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys continued living Hogwarts life as they always did, but every minute of the day they were thinking about Pettigrew being caught and Sirius being cleared.
At the end of each day's classes, they would go and talk to Professor Gumtree, who would tell them time after time that nothing had been found.
During Defense Against the Dark Arts one day, all of that changed. Melissa called for Julie, who had offered to fill in for Melissa should the need be. She motioned for Harry to come with her, wherever she was going, and then went directly to Dumbledore.
"He's in Hogsmeade, Albus! It's in the orb."
"What are you waiting for, grab the dog and go," he said, and then added, "I'm coming with you." His blue eyes twinkled as they went through the fireplace via Floo Powder and into Hogsmeade. Melissa had the orb, and the Marauder's map, should he enter Hogwarts.
"The orb says he's near the shrieking shack," Dumbledore pointed out, and Harry, feeling very awkward, but excited at the same time, grabbed a bit of Sirius' fur and followed.
Entering the shrieking shack, Melissa saw the rat in the corner. Sirius transformed into himself, and dove at the rat.
"Sirius, be careful not to kill him, or else we have nothing."
"I will," he said, sighing. He was not about to kill the rat, although he wanted nothing more than to do that. This rat had killed one of the most important people in his life, and made him suffer for twelve years in Azkaban. Sirius was not happy with the rat, but knew he was the key to his freedom.
Harry grabbed at the rat as well, but missed. Pettigrew tried to escape, but they blocked the exits. There was no way out.