Doubts

The electronic shop's employee got back in touch with Kingsley in just two days. Eager to confirm Remus Lupin's testimony, Kingsley had shortened his lunch break to rush to the shop and review the video footage in the back store. As he watched the video, it became clear that Sirius Black was not the Animagus responsible for killing the muggle in the supermarket's parking lot - the surveillance cameras had actually captured Peter Pettigrew instead. Remarkably, Pettigrew was to die just a few hours after the incident.

Kingsley left the shop and made his way back to the Ministry of Magic, heading straight to the Department of Magical Law and Justice, specifically to the Improper Use of Magic Office. Luckily, the office kept a close watch on Animagi who could transform into animals at will, recording their identity, the animal they could transform into, and any identifying marks or objects that could help identify them while transformed. This register was public to ensure that registered Animagi did not abuse their abilities, as failure to register was a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in Azkaban.

Kingsley borrowed the register and took it to his office to study it. Flipping through its pages, he found that Great Britain had only seen seven Animagi in the twentieth century, including Professor McGonagall, but not Peter Pettigrew. He sighed, raising his eyes from the pages, and leaned back on his chair, rubbing his index finger slowly on his lip.

He could keep pushing, but the pieces of the puzzle didn't fit. First, his report disappeared, presumably intercepted and destroyed by Dolohov. He had assumed Dolohov did it to cover up for Sirius Black, but he had just discovered that it was Pettigrew on the video, not Black, even though it was Black's motorbike according to Hagrid's testimony. Then, Dolohov didn't even try to deny or explain himself during his trial. He had rushed to confess his crime and turned in Black after taking all the risks. He had even named him "Wormtail," a code name that sounded more fitting for a rat than a person, in Kingsley's opinion.

In a criminal investigation, detectives had to keep in mind that just because event 'B' followed event 'A,' it did not necessarily mean that event 'B' was the source of event 'A.' Kingsley wondered about the odds that 'Wormtail' was actually Pettigrew, and that Dolohov was trying to help Pettigrew instead of Black. He did not have long to ponder, as a loud sound echoed through the office, as an Auror drummed his fist on the door, directing Kingsley's attention toward it.

"Moody wants everyone in the briefing room, right now!"

Kingsley scanned the room, observing his colleagues sigh before rising to follow the Auror to the briefing room. He closed the register and joined the group, walking into a semicircular 'classroom' with a blackboard facing the chairs. Inside, Moody and Rufus Scrimgeour, the office's number two, stood displaying stern expressions Kingsley hadn't seen in a year.

As the Aurors settled into their chairs, their anxious eyes focused on the two veterans. Moody reached for a copy of the Daily Prophet on his desk, slamming it against the blackboard. Copies flew to each Auror, including Kingsley, whose eyes widened upon reading the article's opening lines.


French Dark Wizard, Gilles de Rais, Arrested by Ministry of Magic Aurors

Accomplice or Hero? Sirius Black's Involvement in Question

Late last night, the French Ministry of Magic Affairs Aurors made a shocking arrest, capturing Gilles de Rais, a French dark wizard who was supposedly executed in 1440. De Rais rose to fame during the 100 Years War in France and England, serving as Marshal of France and playing a pivotal role in several key battles. However, after graduating from Beauxbatons, where he was hailed as the most brilliant student of his generation, de Rais turned to dark magic, spreading terror throughout northern France and southern England until his downfall in 1440, following a confrontation with famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.

The question on everyone's mind is how de Rais could have survived his execution. During the Middle Ages, it was common for wizards condemned to be burned at the stake to cast a spell of Freeze-Flame and then feign pain, only to be killed later by the executioner. However, the fact that de Rais has been alive for over five centuries is a mystery that has left experts scratching their heads. The most plausible hypothesis is that he somehow managed to obtain a philosopher's stone or use unicorn blood.

De Rais was apprehended at one of the few remaining estates belonging to his family, where his Muggle descendants have been living since the French Restoration. It is reported that he was performing a ritual involving human sacrifices when he was captured. Interestingly, another notorious criminal, Sirius Black, was also present at the scene, having recently escaped from Azkaban.

The involvement of Black, a convicted murderer, and former Death Eater, has raised questions about his motives and potential affiliation with de Rais. However, eyewitnesses who managed to escape the massacre claimed that Black was a prisoner of the dark wizard and had actually helped free them before staying behind to deal with de Rais. Despite this testimony, Black remains at large, and his true intentions and presence at the estate are now the subject of a joint investigation by Aurors from both France and England.

The arrest of de Rais is a significant development in the ongoing fight against dark magic, but the potential involvement of Black in these dark rituals raises concerns about the continued threat posed by dark wizards and their followers. The Ministry of Magic has assured the public that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the wizarding community.

Rufus Scrimgeour strode forward, his commanding voice quelling the murmurs that had begun to spread throughout the room. "Let's get straight to business," he said, turning to face his colleagues. "Moody and I have just returned from Paris, where we met with the French Minister for Magic and the head of their Auror Office. After thoroughly examining the memories of the survivors, we can confirm that a dark wizard previously believed to be dead has been found alive and apprehended. In addition, there was a brief duel between him and Black. The reason for Black's presence and his relationship with the dark wizard remains unknown, but it is possible that he sought his aid in reviving the dark lord, albeit unsuccessfully."

Scrimgeour's tone grew grimmer as he continued. "The French ministry is outraged that Black was able to travel so far from Azkaban undetected and has placed the blame squarely on us. To make amends, we have agreed to cooperate with the French, Belgian, Spanish, German, and Italian Auror offices to intercept Black before he can cross the border. Meanwhile, those who remain here will be assigned various tasks, so I hope you are all ready for the challenge."

Moody interjected, his gravelly voice cutting through the tension in the room. "We cannot afford to let Black's evasion and the events of last night go overlooked. It is possible that these events will embolden the remaining followers of the dark lord to regroup under Black's leadership. Each of you has been assigned a mission, and we expect nothing less than the best from you."

As Scrimgeour waved his wand, a pile of files materialized on the desk before him. "You all have your assignments," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "Now, let's get to work."

The Aurors stood up simultaneously and walked towards the desk, each picking up a file from the pile before leaving, some flipping through pages. Kingsley approached the desk too, but instead of selecting a file, he went to talk to Moody, who nodded towards the door, implying that he wanted to have a private conversation in his office. Kingsley complied and followed him silently after Scrimgeour left the briefing room. He waited for Moody to close the door and sit across him before speaking.

"Sir...I have managed to improve the quality of the video that I talked to you about, the one showing the murder. Only now, I have more questions than answers, to be honest," Kingsley said.

Moody asked, "What questions ?"

"I have identified Peter Pettigrew as the murderer in the video. He is also an unregistered Animagus who transforms into a rat. I had just finished verifying the register before you called us to the briefing room. In my report that Dolohov stole, I had made it clear that the murderer is an Animagus, a rat to be precise. However, during his trial, Dolohov confessed that he did it to protect Sirius Black, who was not even present at the crime scene. Dolohov also said that Black's code name was 'Wormtail,' which I believe is a nickname that the rat Animagus would use," Kingsley explained.

Moody remained silent, looking impassive. Kingsley took that as a cue to continue.

"I think Dolohov lied to us. I believe that Peter Pettigrew was 'Wormtail,' and Dolohov directed us towards Sirius. We could consider the possibility that both Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew were Death Eaters and their confrontation the next morning was a score to settle. But then, why would Dolohov accuse Sirius Black, who is still at large, instead of Pettigrew, who is dead?" Kingsley asked.

Moody asked, "Where are you going with this?"

"There is something else that I cannot explain. Why did Pettigrew murder a Muggle?" Kingsley asked.

Moody replied, "He obviously mistook him for Black."

"That's what I thought at first. However, the Potters were still alive at that time, and they died about an hour later. Until their murder, there was no betrayal, so there could not have been a traitor. Let's assume that Pettigrew somehow found out that Black was an undercover Death Eater. Why didn't he warn the Ministry of Magic? As an employee at the Magical Transportation Department, he had access to a direct line to the Auror office, and we could have deployed immediately to neutralize Black. Even if the Potters were well hidden, he could have contacted Dumbledore. Why didn't he do that?" Kingsley asked.

"What is your point?" Moody asked.

"We have Dolohov's confession, which he stole from me, and lied about Pettigrew not being an Animagus, accusing Black instead. I think Pettigrew knew the Potters were going to be killed that night," Kingsley said firmly.

"Do you think Pettigrew is the traitor?" Moody asked.

"I believe we should delve deeper into this," Kingsley said. "The official story is that Pettigrew tracked down Black to exact revenge. But if they confronted each other so close to the apartment Pettigrew was renting, it would mean that Pettigrew hunted Black around the corner, one minute away from his own place. It seems more likely that Black was looking for Pettigrew. And why would Pettigrew chase Black if he thought he had already killed him the night before in the parking lot?"

Moody remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers on his desk before standing up abruptly. "I need to talk to Dumbledore," he said.

"Dumbledore? Why?" Kingsley asked.

Moody hesitated for a moment before sitting back down. "Listen, there is a good reason we locked up Black so quickly. It's supposed to be classified, but as you are working on this case, I suppose I should tell you more. However, keep in mind that it is confidential. To hide from You-know-who, the Potters used the Fidelius Charm, and according to Dumbledore, they chose Sirius Black to be their secret keeper. As you must know, you can't force the secret keeper to reveal his secret as it is hidden in one's soul, so even torture and legilimency wouldn't force him to reveal it. So, inevitably, Black willingly betrayed the Potters."

"You mean Dumbledore knew Sirius was the secret keeper? He confirmed it to the Ministry?" Kingsley asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, he did. I was present along with Crouch. And you better show some respect and lower that eyebrow before I rip your face off," Moody said.

"Sorry. So, Sirius Black would have known that after betraying the Potters, Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic would be after him if not the entire world, as he would have revealed himself. If You-know-who would have succeeded, he still would have lost in Sirius Black a well-positioned spy in Dumbledore's close circle and a potential seat at the Wizengamot," Kingsley said. "Wouldn't it have been better for Black to find another way to deliver them to the Dark Lord, instead of rushing to reveal the secret and revealing himself? After all, staying confined in a house for a long time would most certainly drive them crazy or at least reckless, making them easier to catch."

"If I understand your reasoning, you doubt that Black was the secret keeper," Moody asked.

"I think it wouldn't make sense, knowing the chronology of the events," Kingsley said.

"Fair enough. Go back to your office and focus on the case I assigned you. I need to go to Hogwarts and talk to Dumbledore about all of this," Moody said.

"Sir, I would like to join the team going to the continent to help catch Black," Kingsley asked.

"No, you'll stay here," Moody said, waving his hand towards the office door.

Kingsley didn't protest but went back to his office. He noticed that a good quarter of the office was absent, deducing that they were the ones assigned to go to the continent. Sitting in his small office, he read the Daily Prophet article again. Nothing made sense to him. The survivors claimed that Black had saved them. Why would a man accused of murdering twelve Muggles and being the Dark Lord's right-hand man save Muggles? He could believe that Black had a dispute that would have escalated, breaking up a fight between two dark wizards. But did he really save the Muggles despite his revulsion towards them?


Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody was known for his fierce dedication to constant vigilance and his unwavering commitment to his duty as an Auror. He was a man who never let his guard down, not even in the safety of his own home or office. For Moody, the world was a dangerous place, and he refused to let his guard down even for a moment.

However, despite his steadfast nature, there was one place where Moody allowed himself a moment of reprieve - in the company of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he slowly made his way up the stairs to Dumbledore's office, each step a challenge due to his wooden leg, Moody couldn't help but reflect on the days when he could run up these steps without a second thought.

Yet, it wasn't just the physical challenge that weighed heavily on Moody's mind. After his recent conversation with Schaklebolt, Moody found himself doubting his own judgment for the first time in his long and illustrious career as an Auror. He knew he needed Dumbledore's counsel, and that's why he had come to seek his advice.

As he entered Dumbledore's office, Moody didn't need to push the door open. Instead, Dumbledore greeted him warmly and invited him to take a seat. Moody sat down heavily, feeling the weight of his doubts and fears bearing down on him. But he knew that he was in the presence of one of the most wise and powerful wizards in the world, and he trusted that Dumbledore would have the guidance and insight he needed to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Alastor inquired of Dumbledore, "When do you plan to request the school board to install elevators in this institution?"

Dumbledore retorted, "Alastor, it would be a shame to deprive our students of the opportunity to exercise."

Alastor didn't hesitate to respond, "If exercise is what they require, they can carry me back to the bridge once we've finished conversing. Nevertheless, I am here for a matter of great importance," he continued before narrating the conversation he had earlier with Schaklebolt.

"So, what are your thoughts?" Moody inquired.

"To be frank, Alastor, nothing would surprise me when it comes to Voldemort. It is entirely plausible that he could have united both of them," Dumbledore replied.

"Perhaps they were unaware that they were being used by him... they could have been spying on each other for him," Moody suggested. "Furthermore, did you know that Pettigrew was an undeclared Animagus?"

"I had no idea," Dumbledore admitted. "However, I will contact Remus Lupin, who was a close friend of both Sirius and Peter. He may be able to shed some light on their past."

"Very well. As for last night's events," Alastor interjected.

"I was about to contact you when your owl arrived. The ICW made sure to inform me first, and I immediately crossed the channel. Unfortunately, I arrived too late. As soon as Gilles de Rais was apprehended, he took his own life. In the morning, Nicolas left Devon to join me and help me examine the body. The body turned out not to be the original, but the remnants of magic still present confirmed his identity," Dumbledore recounted.

"How is that possible?" Moody questioned. "I know Flamel's stone granted him immortality, but if the reports are true, he can hardly walk two steps. Yet witnesses claim that de Rais dueled Black."

"Nicolas is not truly immortal," Dumbledore clarified. "The elixir merely sustains his body and keeps his soul tethered to it. In other words, Nicolas Flamel's body remains the same as it was five centuries ago, but he is older and weaker... Barely alive. However, de Rais' body was destroyed the day he was executed. His soul then inhabited his muggle descendant, gradually gaining full control."

"How was his soul able to travel through time?" Moody inquired.

"I do not know," Dumbledore confessed.

"What about Black? Is there an Order mission that I am unaware of?" Moody asked.

"No. After hearing the testimony of the muggle survivors, I am perplexed regarding Sirius Black's role. It is imperative that we apprehend him alive and ensure that he stands trial. I have already dispatched Fawkes to contact Remus. I will contact you after I meet with him," Dumbledore announced, just as the lunch bell rang.

"Rufus Scrimgeour is overseeing our Aurors in France. I will inform you as soon as I receive his report," Moody said as he rose from his seat.

After exiting the headmaster's office and passing by the gorgon guarding the stairs, he heard the sound of a stampede before a wave of teenagers engulfed him from behind, rushing towards the great hall for lunch. Grumbling to himself, he couldn't help but wonder how Dumbledore managed to tolerate living in such a place when he himself would prefer spending an entire year locked up in his own trunk.


When Remus was a young boy, the onset of sunset brought a heavy feeling to his chest. He would become worn out, irritable, and anxious, drowning in a sea of dark thoughts and nausea. When he began attending Hogwarts and made his closest friends, he felt guilty about the monthly absences he had to justify. However, when his friends discovered his secret, their love, and support washed away his dark thoughts for the first time.

As Remus stood facing the lake, he was weighed down by his demons, which wrapped around him like a vice, crushing his chest. He felt ashamed of betraying Dumbledore's trust and the mercy he had been shown despite the danger he posed to the other students. Suddenly, he was taken out of his thoughts by the sound of distant leaves, and his eyes caught sight of the willow tree, making his illness grow bigger.

He glared darkly at the menacing tree and turned his back to it to head towards the castle gates. As he made his way to the headmaster's office, Remus could feel the curious eyes of the young students chatting around the central hall's fountain following him. Uncomfortable, he quickened his pace, determined not to keep Dumbledore waiting, and quickly reached the gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's staircase. He gave the password that Fawkes had brought him that morning. As he climbed the stairs to the headmaster's office, Remus felt the weight of years of lies and his responsibility bearing down on him.

Today marked the first time Remus would be invited inside the headmaster's office, despite having been a prefect for three years. His fellow Marauders, James, and Sirius, were no strangers to the office, having been repeatedly summoned and lectured by their own house head. Remus could vividly recall how he had badgered James for information about the office, only to be met with patronizing remarks.

"I'm sorry Moony, but you have to prove yourself worthy of it... Although, if you let me Polyjuice as you and patrol with Evans, I might consider telling you more," James had jested.

Taking a deep breath, Remus timidly knocked on the office door, bracing himself for the inevitable conversation. Dumbledore had not contacted him once since the deaths of James and Lily, leaving Remus with no idea of what kind of welcome he would receive.

To his immense relief, Dumbledore greeted him with a smile, standing by Fawkes' perch with a kindly expression on his face - one that reminded Remus of a doting grandfather. Walking over to Remus, the headmaster welcomed him warmly and placed his hands on his shoulders.

"Remus! What a pleasure to see you again. Thank you so much for accommodating me at such short notice," Dumbledore greeted Remus warmly.

"It is always a pleasure to see you, sir. Please, there is no need for thanks. You need only ask, and I will be there," Remus replied with a smile.

Dumbledore invited Remus to follow him to his desk where he sat across from him on a comfortable armchair and thanked him for the hydromel he had offered.

"Remus... You must have an idea of why I asked to speak with you... But first, how are you faring?" Dumbledore asked.

"I am well, sir. And yourself?" Remus responded.

"I am old, but content," Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling. "But I must insist, how are you truly doing?"

Remus understood that Dumbledore had seen through the facade of his smile and knew that lying would be futile. "About what, Professor? The deaths of James and Lily? My best friend who turned out to be a Death Eater and killed Peter? Or not visiting Harry once since it happened?"

"Remus, I can only imagine how painful it must be for you. The deaths of James and Lily were a tragedy for all of us, but for you, the pain must be excruciating. I would have given my life to save them if I could have. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves powerless," Dumbledore said with a gentle tone.

"I know. I just cannot seem to accept it. Life can be unfair, but in this case, it is not only unfair but cruel. Why should Harry grow up an orphan?" Remus asked with a pained expression.

"All we can do is honor their memories and prevent it from happening to others," Dumbledore responded with a solemn nod.

"I agree, Professor. How is Harry doing?" Remus inquired.

"He is doing well. For his own safety, he is living with his aunt and uncle, away from the wizarding world. I would rather keep him hidden among Muggles for now until he is old enough to join us at Hogwarts. He will be safe there, and we can ensure that he is well taken care of. And yes, I have entrusted Arabella to watch over him, and I have made some arrangements so she could reside nearby. There was a minor incident involving a dog belonging to Vernon's sister, but nothing more has happened," Dumbledore explained.

"That's reassuring. It's best for him to be away until he is older. Sooner or later, his past will catch up to him, so if we can allow him to be happy for a few years, I won't interrupt," Remus said with a nod.

"I am glad you share my opinion," Dumbledore replied, smiling slightly.

"Professor... Speaking of dogs..." Remus trailed off, his voice shaking.

"There is nothing to worry about, Remus. It was just a childish prank from his cousin Dudley, according to Arabella. It was in poor taste, but children will be children," Dumbledore said calmly.

"I was not referring to that... I was referring to Sirius," Remus said, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, his expression turning serious. "Are you suggesting that Sirius is responsible for James and Lily's deaths?"

After his interview with Kingsley, Remus knew that it was only a matter of time before Peter's secret was uncovered. Nonetheless, he had faith in Dumbledore's sharp mind to piece together the puzzle.

Remus sighed before nodding at Dumbledore, his eyes catching a glimpse of Godric Gryffindor's sword behind the old man.

"Professor," Remus inquired, "how much do you recall about our extracurricular activities during our time at Hogwarts?"

"I am well-informed about your 'respectable' criminal record," Dumbledore replied with a slight chuckle. "However, James and Sirius managed to get into more trouble than you did."

"Sir," Remus said hesitantly, "after I reveal what I am about to, I would understand if you banish me from the castle."

"Remus," Dumbledore responded kindly, "why would I do such a thing?"

"Professor, during my time at Hogwarts, not only the staff knew of my secret, but James, Sirius, and Peter discovered it as well," Remus confessed. "Upon discovering my affliction, they decided to become animagi to join me during my transformation on full moon nights. At first, I thought their words were only empty promises meant to lift my spirits, but after several unsuccessful attempts, I awoke one morning to find a majestic stag sleeping in James's bed. A few days later, Sirius succeeded in his transformation as well, and Peter followed suit months later after starting over numerous times."

"By their side," Remus continued, "I was able to control myself and remain more lucid than I would have been on my own. However, in my happiness, I did not consider the danger that I posed to my friends. I am ashamed beyond measure for betraying your trust after all the risks you took for me. I will never forgive myself for my actions."

"Remus, my friend," Dumbledore replied with a gentle smile, "you are far too kind to yourself. Your friends placed your friendship and happiness above all the risks, and rightfully so. Although it could have ended poorly, it did not, and we are all grateful for that."

"Sir, are you not upset with me?" Remus asked, his voice heavy with guilt.

"When I knocked on your parents' door to deliver your letter, Remus," Dumbledore reminisced, "I did so because I believe banning anyone from receiving an education is a heinous crime. I wanted you to have a normal youth, and what is more normal for teenagers than carelessness? I may appear wise now, but I was no different from you at your age. The mistakes I made still haunt me to this day. Therefore, I admire your courage to admit your fault while you still can."

"May I ask you a question?" Dumbledore continued.

"Of course," Remus replied with a firm nod.

"What, in your opinion, is the purpose of Hogwarts?" Dumbledore inquired.

Remus hesitated for a moment before answering, "The four founders, built Hogwarts as a place where young witches and wizards could learn how to master their powers."

Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Indeed, Hogwarts was designed to be a sanctuary - a safe haven for young, inexperienced witches and wizards to learn from their mistakes, innovate, and ultimately pass down their knowledge to future generations. My own experiences have taught me that the most valuable lessons often arise from the most difficult choices."

"Nevertheless," Dumbledore continued, "let us return our focus to the main topic of our meeting, shall we?"

Remus nodded in agreement. "Sir, I must inform you that James has the ability to transform into a stag, Peter into a rat, and Sirius into a dog."

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore said. "Alastor Moody mentioned that you were recently interviewed by Kingsley Schaklebolt. He inquired about a murder allegedly committed by an Animagus, identified as Sirius Black. Moody claims to have sufficient evidence to prove that Peter Pettigrew is the true culprit. What is your take on this matter?"

"Sir, I find it difficult to believe that Peter could commit such a heinous act," Remus replied with a hint of disbelief.

"Does the name 'Wormtail' ring a bell?" Dumbledore asked pointedly.

"Indeed, 'Wormtail' was Peter's nickname," Remus responded. "James was 'Prongs,' Sirius was 'Padfoot,' and I was 'Moony.' But if I may ask, how did you come to learn of Peter's nickname?"

"I only recently discovered the truth," Dumbledore explained. "During his trial, Antonin Dolohov revealed that 'Wormtail' was Sirius' code name when he was a Death Eater."

Remus rebuffed, "That statement is a falsehood, sir. James gave Peter that moniker due to the shape of his tail resembling that of a worm."

Dumbledore countered, "He also conveyed that Sirius led the group responsible for the slaughter of Fabian and Gideon...Sirius must have revealed his identity by removing his mask."

Remus retorted, "That does not correlate with the intelligence I have obtained. I distinctly recall Greyback alluding to the Prewets' demise. He stated that Voldemort's inner circle, those who attended his war councils, those who didn't need to conceal their faces in his presence. If both Dolohov and Sirius were among those who committed the atrocity, they would have been acquainted with each other prior."

"So, you concur with Alastor's notion that Dolohov was endeavoring to divert our attention away from Peter and onto Sirius?" Dumbledore inquired.

"That would not be prudent. If Sirius was a Death Eater, exposing him would be tantamount to writing one's own death sentence. If we were incorrect in our presumption that Sirius renounced his allegiance to his family, the Malfoys, and other related clans would have issued a bounty for Dolohov's capture. In the event that Voldemort ever returned, Dolohov would have been torn to shreds," Remus argued.

"If Sirius was indeed a Death Eater... If our assumptions regarding Sirius were mistaken..." Dumbledore spoke slowly. "Tell me, Remus, when was the last time you conversed with or laid eyes upon Sirius?"

"It was prior to Harry's birth," Remus replied. "Our relationship was strained. I had my suspicions about him keeping a watchful eye on me, and I confronted him about it, all because of my being a werewolf," Remus revealed, taking a sip of his drink. "When James and Lily designated Sirius as Harry's godfather and ceased updating me, I assumed James had allied with Sirius."

"Is it plausible that James and Lily covertly chose Peter as their secret keeper instead of Sirius, without informing any of us?" Dumbledore asked.

"It is possible. If they believed that I was the traitor, they most likely would have done so. The Sirius I was once acquainted with would have relished the opportunity to serve as a decoy," Remus replied.

"In that case, to whom would their decision have been directed?" Dumbledore inquired.

"If, for some unforeseen reason, neither Sirius nor I were capable of fulfilling that role, I imagine the only person James would have placed his trust in was Peter," Remus concluded.

Dumbledore remained silent, lost in contemplation, before rising from his chair and walking stealthily around his desk towards Fawkes. He whispered a few words into the ear of the majestic phoenix, who took flight and soared out the window of the headmaster's office a few moments later. Dumbledore then turned to face Remus Lupin and spoke in a measured tone, "I dispatched Fawkes to Alastor and Crouch, requesting a meeting. However, before I pay a visit to Dolohov in his cell, I must question him once more, and this time, I shall be the interrogator. As for Peter, he may still be alive and ought to be captured discreetly."

"Do you believe Sirius is innocent?" asked Remus, rising from his seat.

"Although I acknowledge that we acted hastily in incarcerating him, it may not be too late to reverse our mistake," replied Dumbledore. "As you may have read in the Daily Prophet, Sirius was implicated in a sordid affair last night, but the testimony of the survivors aligns more closely with a scenario in which he is a victim rather than a traitor."

"What is the next course of action? Should I pursue Sirius?" asked Remus.

"Currently, Aurors from various nations have been deployed to apprehend him. Although they have been instructed to take him alive and nothing else, I would prefer that we reach him first, quietly and without drawing undue attention," answered Dumbledore.

"I will take care of it, sir. I shall fly to Folkstone, board the ferry to Calais, and enter France discreetly amongst the Muggles," declared Remus confidently.

"Remus, I understand the urgency of the matter, but the area is heavily monitored at present. Sirius may remain in hiding for some time until the situation has cooled. Instead, I recommend that you wait for now, given that the full moon is but a week away. Head to the Hog's Head Inn and Aberforth will have a room prepared for you," advised Dumbledore.

After departing from Dumbledore's office, Remus made his way directly to Hogsmeade without lingering in the castle. Upon arriving at the Hogshead, he found the establishment deserted. After exchanging brief pleasantries with Aberforth, Remus ascended the narrow staircase leading to the upper floor.

Despite the uninviting exterior of the inn, the interior of the room was cozy albeit poorly furnished. Remus wielded his wand and lit a fire in the fireplace before shedding his clothes and settling onto the single bed. His thoughts swirled around his recent conversation with Dumbledore, leaving him uncertain and torn between Peter and Sirius. As the crackling of the flames filled the room, Remus drifted off to sleep.