Thank you for the responses to the last chapter!
This is just a short little interlude, but it should give you some idea of the storm that's coming.
Interlude: The Invitation
To: Peter Pettigrew
June 25th, 1995
Dear sir:
While we have not often corresponded, and you may indeed be surprised to receive a letter from me, I think I am right when I say that we have a common interest in Harry Potter, and in seeing that Albus Dumbledore receives justice. Not vengeance, not mercy, but justice.
I have seen the Pensieve record of your trial; I requested it from the Ministry two years past, and saw the events that transpired in it. I have never been in doubt, even before Harry informed me of the true state of affairs, abut your trial being mishandled. Now that I know you were wronged, I would like to extend an invitation to you.
Albus Dumbledore shall soon find himself called to justice for his monstrous mistakes in handling Harry Potter. It is only right that he should also be called to justice for what happened to you. Will you return from your exile and testify against him?
I am not asking you to do this for my sake, or even for Harry's. But it is because of him that I dare to write to you at all, and to ask for a final cutting out of suffering as an end to all suffering. We have other common bonds I might call upon—we have both worn a brand on our left arms that identified us, for the rest of time, in the eyes of the world—but I would like you to make the decision on your own cognizance alone. I have learned some things from Harry, though he does not think I have.
I remain, sir,
Severus Snape.