Arc III Part IX
Sirius sat in the kitchen, quietly tapping his fingers on the table, his gaze darkly fixed on the five men seated around him. All of them avoided making eye contact with Sirius, while Remus sat beside him, observing them attentively, waiting for someone to break the silence. After a while, Remus finally spoke up.
"I expected a more intense meeting," Remus remarked to Sirius.
"Give it some time, Remus," Sirius replied.
"Sirius, I want to remind you that I have always treated you with respect," Worple interjected.
"Such as I!" Belby chimed in, nodding.
"Respectful... Is that how you describe insulting, lying, and continuously manipulating a desperate man?" Sirius questioned.
"Perhaps you meant to say 'exploit' instead?" Remus suggested.
"Let's agree that we have treated you honorably... Surely, more so than others," Worple stated, nodding at Mikhail and Red, who scowled in return.
"Sirius, you must have noticed that even before we received the news about you, I kept my distance rather than being disrespectful! Furthermore, I'm certain that after tonight's events, you'll be willing to turn the page," Mikhail explained, clearly referring to Ravenclaw's tomb.
"I was merely playing a role, Sirius! It was all an act! Ludvik forced us! He blackmailed us into making you believe you were still wanted, so you wouldn't leave! I admit, I despised you before your trial, and I felt ashamed of myself when we started getting along... Then we discovered the truth, and it became incredibly difficult to pretend! But it was Ludvik who coerced us! He's the only one you should blame! You, more than anyone, know what a deceitful person he is!" Red exclaimed, pointing a finger at Ludvik.
"You despicable scum..." Ludvik muttered, looking at Red in disbelief.
"I'm not sorry! If someone's going to get beaten up, I'd rather it be you than me," Red retorted.
Ludvik chuckled and lit a cigarette, then turned to face Sirius. "You know, Sirius... Instead of looking down on me, you should be grateful."
Sirius smiled and tightened his fists on the table. "Could you elaborate on your point, please?"
"Gladly! It's true that you were cleared a month ago, but it didn't mean you were out of danger... The Aurors were still searching for you. I was concerned that an encounter could have ended in a terrible tragedy," Ludvik explained, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"What?! Why?" Sirius exclaimed.
"You would have been frightened and likely done something reckless, like trying to fight them to escape!" Ludvik explained.
"But why would I have fought them if I wasn't wanted anymore?" Sirius inquired.
"Because you didn't know you had been cleared! You would have misunderstood their approach," Ludvik responded.
"THERE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ANY FIGHTING OR AURORS IF YOU HAD TOLD ME THE TRUTH!" Sirius shouted at Ludvik.
"You're clearly angry, and it's affecting your..." Ludvik began to say.
"Say one more word, and I'll break a chair over your head," Sirius interjected. "I've had enough of your lies! All you cared about was the reward and the money you could extort from Remus."
"What money?" Red questioned, looking at them with a furrowed brow.
"Nothing," Ludvik quickly replied.
"What reward?" Mikhail asked.
"Nothing, mind your own business," Ludvik retorted.
"Oh! You guys don't know? People from all over the world gathered a reward for whoever would find me and help me return home safely. If you don't know about it, it must be because Ludvik kept it all for himself. How much was it, Remus? 100,000 Galleons?" Sirius inquired.
"1,200 Galleons, a house-elf's booger, and a bag of mice poop," Remus replied.
"What?!" Red and Mikhail exclaimed, glaring at Ludvik. "You charged us ten Galleons a week as rent, while you were the one who owed us money? You're a despicable ashole!"
"It's more complicated than that... and it's your fault. You should read the newspapers instead of listening to those ridiculous radio programs," Ludvik responded before turning to Sirius. "What's done is done. What are you going to do now?"
Sirius silently regarded them for a moment before turning to Remus and asking, "I assume that now I have regained access to my vault, right?"
"Yes... and also all your family's vaults and assets. Although, you still have to visit the goblins," Remus confirmed.
"And I imagine the Ministry of Magic owes me some kind of favor as well, don't they?" Sirius inquired.
"The French and the Germans too... Probably the Romanians after last night," Remus added.
"Very well, here's what we'll do. I'm going to take a walk and return in a few hours. When I come back, I'll present you with an offer you won't refuse," Sirius declared before leaving the kitchen and subsequently the house.
He sauntered through the front garden, effortlessly vaulting over the small gate, and began walking away from the Balasko residence. When he had put some distance between himself and the house, he paused, taking in a deep breath and gazing at the sky. A sense of liberation washed over him, causing his eyes to moisten and the weight in his chest to dissipate. The air felt invigorating, the sounds of nature soothing, and the vibrant colors of the surroundings were a stark contrast to the life he had known. Sirius felt like a fish out of water, yet paradoxically, he found the sensation rather agreeable. He ran a hand through his hair and Disapparated, ready to embrace his new freedom.
Sirius reappeared in front of the Pub, seamlessly blending in with the bustling clientele. He skillfully weaved his way through the clients, passing behind Walter, who was engrossed in taking a group's order. As he made his way around the bar, he noticed Emma kneeling down, diligently attempting to position a keg under the draft towers. Sirius knelt beside her, lending a hand to help maneuver the keg into place.
"Am I late for my shift?" Sirius asked.
Emma turned her head towards him, her eyes widening with a mix of relief and surprise. Without warning, she pinned him back to the floor, pressing her lips against his in a passionate and slightly scolding kiss. As she released him, she began tapping her fist against his head.
"We were worried sick for weeks! And then, you call saying you were kidnapped but perfectly fine!" Emma whispered; her voice filled with disbelief. "How can anyone be held hostage and claim to be fine?"
"It's a long story! I returned as soon as I could! There's so much I need to tell you!" Sirius whispered back; his words laden with a sense of urgency.
"Later! I'm working now," Emma responded, before swiftly rising to her feet and pouring a pint for a waiting customer.
Sirius also stood up, eager to be of assistance. "Is there anything I can do?" he offered.
Emma smiled warmly at him, her eyes twinkling with affection, and replied, "Yes, your job! The toilets are in dire need of cleaning."
After closing the Pub, Emma, Áurea, Hans, and Walter huddled closely together on the couch, their attention fixated on Sirius, who animatedly recounted the intricate details of his adventure in Transylvania. His storytelling reached its climax as he regaled them with the account of his confrontation with Greyback.
"And the best part is, I'm finally free now!" Sirius exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
"How in hell are you still alive?" Walter interjected, his voice laced with disbelief.
"I don't know, but I fought with everything I had," Sirius replied, his tone tinged with both exhaustion and determination.
"So now... nobody is actively searching for you? You can return home whenever you wish?" Emma inquired, her curiosity mixed with a touch of frustration.
"I knew about the trial," Hans interjected, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.
"You did? Why didn't you inform us?" Emma demanded, her anger palpable.
"Anything concerning wizards is classified information," Hans explained.
"Are you planning to go back to England?" Emma continued her line of questioning.
"You got beaten in a boxing match? I thought I trained you better..." Walter chimed in, a hint of disappointment lacing his words.
"You'd understand if you saw the other guy," Sirius responded, a wry smile forming on his lips.
"Why didn't you come back right after he took that magic bracelet off your wrist? Even if only for a minute, so we could see that you were alright?" Áurea asked, her concern evident.
"I wished I could have, but it wasn't that simple... I needed to earn his trust first, and there was always someone watching me. However, I returned the moment I could," Sirius explained, his shoulders shrugging in resignation.
"I'm just glad you're safe," Walter said, rising from the couch. He turned to Sirius and added, "I wish I could have been there to help you that night."
"There was nothing anyone could have done, Walter. That guy operates on a whole different level, even for wizards," Sirius assured him, placing a comforting hand on Walter's shoulder. "Thank you, nonetheless."
Walter nodded and asked, "Will I see you tomorrow in practice?"
"I'll do my best to make it," Sirius replied, a hint of determination in his voice, before Walter bid farewell to the others and exited the apartment.
Sirius turned to the remaining group and inquired, "So, what did I miss?"
"Áurea's new summer dresses," Emma replied, standing up.
"I can certainly see that from here," Sirius remarked, casting an appreciative gaze at Áurea's cleavage.
Hans chuckled and planted a kiss on his girlfriend's lips before rising from the couch. "Since Emma insists on no smoking indoors, anyone up for a quick smoke outside?"
"Go ahead... I'm heading to bed," Emma announced, making her way toward the bedroom.
"So soon?" Sirius inquired, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"I'm exhausted!" Emma replied, closing the bedroom door behind her.
Hans shrugged and turned to Sirius. "What about you?"
"I'll join you in a minute," Sirius responded.
Hans made his way to the balcony, leaving Sirius seated beside Áurea on the couch. Sirius's gaze lingered on Áurea's bare shoulder, and he delicately traced his lips along her skin. "Emma's right. This is quite a short dress," he murmured, his fingers teasingly dancing between her legs.
Áurea arched an eyebrow at him, swiftly crossing her legs to intercept his wandering fingers. "In case you haven't noticed, your girlfriend is angry at you. So, I don't think fucking her best friend in the living room is the wisest course of action right now."
"What? But she said..." Sirius began, only to be hushed by Áurea's gesture.
"What was your plan exactly? Vanish for weeks, leaving us all worried sick, only to return, fuck me, share a joint with my boyfriend, and then get a second round with your girlfriend? Are we just toys in your eyes?" Áurea demanded, her voice tinged with disappointment and frustration.
"No, of course not! How could you say that?" Sirius pleaded; his tone filled with genuine confusion.
"I say what I see," Áurea responded firmly. "Go talk to your girlfriend. Now," she pointed a finger towards the closed bedroom door.
"Yeah, you're right. Right now...Um… May I have my fingers back?" Sirius asked.
"You may," Áurea relented, releasing her grip on his fingers.
Sirius stood up, gingerly massaging his fingers. "Merlin! How much weight do you squat?"
"Way more than you," Áurea retorted coldly, before joining Hans on the balcony.
Sirius made his way into the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him. He glanced at Emma, curled up on her side of the bed with her back turned towards the door. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed next to her, he gently caressed her cheek.
"Emma... Open your eyes. I know you're not sleeping," Sirius spoke softly.
She opened her eyes, casting a fleeting glance towards the window, and asked, "Did you come to say goodbye?"
"No, I want to know why you're feeling sad... Talk to me, because this isn't us," Sirius pleaded.
Emma nodded, adjusting herself to lean against her pillow. She let out a sigh and posed the question, "What are we, exactly? Now that you're free to go back home, do we have a future?"
"Of course we do! My acquittal means we can have everything and go wherever we want!" Sirius responded.
"Sirius, I'm sorry, but I won't follow you to England," Emma stated.
"You won't?" Sirius asked, taken aback by her revelation.
"No. All of my life is here... It's not about money, but I've poured my heart and soul into making the Pub successful. Walter has made so much progress too! I can't leave. I don't want to leave. I'm happy here, and I don't want that to change," Emma explained.
"In that case, as soon as I gain custody of Harry, I'll bring him here. If you're fine with it, of course," Sirius suggested.
"I'll be thrilled to have him here... But, would that be the best for him?" Emma questioned.
"Why wouldn't it?" Sirius inquired.
"Do you really want to suddenly appear in his life, take him away from his last living relatives and friends, and bring him to a foreign country where he doesn't even speak the language? Where he'd spend his time around adults in a pub? No, Sirius... That would be a jarring experience for him," Emma expressed her concerns.
Sirius fell silent, staring ahead as he absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair. Finally, he mustered the courage to ask, "What should I do then? Is it selfish of me to want both of you?"
"Of course not! We love each other, but ironically, things will become more complicated for us from now on... Even with magic aiding us in the process," Emma replied.
"I'll find a way... I promise," Sirius vowed.
"No, we will find a way!" Emma corrected him before kissing his arm. "So, you mentioned they are waiting for you to return with an offer?"
Speaking of that... I need your help in choosing between going back to those who lied and manipulated me for weeks or leaving them waiting in vain while I spend the night with my girlfriend, whom I've missed... It's a difficult decision," Sirius said, sighing.
"Second option! I want a hug!" Emma declared, pulling him closer to her.
The next morning, Sirius pushed open the front door of the Balasko house and stepped inside. Red, the house elf, immediately appeared in the short hallway and walked up to him.
"You said you were going for a walk, not for the whole night!" Red scolded him.
"I'm a free man, I can do whatever the fuck I want! Where is everyone?" Sirius questioned.
"They're in the living room, except for Eldred and Denise... They're downstairs trying to calm Florin," Red explained, walking beside him toward the living room.
"What's going on with Florin?" Sirius inquired.
"He's scared. It's finally sinking in for him, and he's freaking out... Imagine being in his shoes, his life has been completely turned upside down," Red sympathized.
"Yeah, it must be tough... But he'll be alright," Sirius reassured, before shaking hands with Remus and taking a seat beside him on the couch.
"Where have you been?" Remus asked curiously.
"I went camping... I slept under the stars!" Sirius replied with a hint of excitement.
"Oh, I would have joined you, but I was still feeling dizzy from the other night," Remus remarked, sipping his coffee.
"What happened the other night?" Red inquired.
"I suffer from insomnia... The lack of sleep makes me feel sick for days afterward," Remus explained.
"You should ask Belby for something to help you sleep," Mikhail suggested.
"I will, thank you!" Remus responded, flashing a grateful smile.
Sirius engaged in conversation with Remus until Ludvik, Belby, and Worple entered the living room. Once everyone had taken their seats, Sirius cleared his throat, preparing to address them.
"So, have you all thought about my offer?" Sirius asked, looking at each of them.
"What offer?" Worple asked, clearly unaware.
"We waited all night for you to come back," Mikhail added.
"Oh! Did I leave you in the dark all night? I apologize," Sirius admitted.
"We are ready to listen to your offer," Ludvik stated.
"Alright... Unless you accept my offer, I swear to use my influence and wealth to destroy your careers," Sirius declared, his gaze shifting between Worple and Belby. He then turned towards Red and Mikhail, "Make sure you never find employment again." Finally, he looked directly at Ludvik, "And I will lobby the International Confederation of Wizards to launch an investigation into you and your multiple infractions regarding the Statute of Secrecy, your disregard for Muggle welfare, and any other criminal activities you may be involved in... And that's not all... Unless you give me what I want, I won't stop there. However, if you meet my demands, I'll forget everything."
"Sounds more like blackmail than an offer," Remus pointed out.
"What exactly do you want?" Ludvik asked, seeking clarification.
"I want a blank check," Sirius replied confidently.
"A blank check? What do you mean?" Red asked, clearly puzzled.
"Let me explain. I've counted three instances where each of you had the opportunity to tell me the truth, and you didn't. So, each of you will owe me three favors. It could be anytime, whether in an hour, a day, a month, a year, a decade, or even never. But when I come to you and ask for something, you'll have to accept without questioning," Sirius explained.
"Where did you get this line from?" Remus questioned, furrowing his brow.
"From a movie... So, what do you say?" Sirius inquired, looking at the five men.
The group exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Then Red chimed in, "We won't suck your dick, dude!"
"No one is going to be sucking anyone's dick," Sirius retorted.
"Because you can do it yourself?" Mikhail quipped, smirking.
"I accept your terms. We have a deal!" Ludvik said.
"I'm in too," Worple added, followed by Belby, who also accepted the proposition.
"Well, if it doesn't involve any dick-sucking, I accept. I mean, what could you possibly ask of me, right?" Red said, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"You'll see..." Sirius replied with a mischievous smile.
"What kind of favors would you ask?" Mikhail inquired.
"It could be anything. Take it or leave it," Sirius responded.
Mikhail pressed further, questioning Sirius's need for their assistance despite his wealth. Sirius issued a warning in response, "Consider it as an investment in the future. Ask one more question, and I retract the offer for all of you."
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Mikhail reluctantly accepted, saying, "Fine... I accept."
Sirius declared, "Then, all of this is behind us now." He conjured a bottle from Emma's bar and placed it on the coffee table along with seven glasses. "Let's celebrate!" he exclaimed, handing the first glass to Remus.
"Thanks!" Remus replied.
"You must be particularly happy, right? Greyback is in Azkaban, and you're finally reunited with your best friend! All in the same day!" Sirius remarked, anticipating Remus's joy.
"I'm afraid that if I admit it, by tomorrow, the story you'll tell would be that I jumped into your arms, sobbing," Remus said wryly.
"Isn't that what happened?" Sirius teased.
"No," Remus retorted.
"Well, that's the story I'll tell!" Sirius declared. "Why isn't Denise back yet?"
"Florin refuses to come upstairs, even after I assured him that he would be safe as long as he avoids the sun. Many vampires, who were originally muggles, make the mistake of sleeping during the day and becoming nocturnal... Probably the influence of literature, I guess," Worple explained.
"Well, she's been downstairs for a while now. Shouldn't we check on her?" Red suggested.
"Perhaps he ate her!" Mikhail joked.
"I'm sure she's fine. Put yourself in his shoes. Everything has suddenly changed for him. Tragic events like these can drive a man into madness," Remus commented, trying to ease their concerns.
"You should listen to him! Remus knows a lot about the madness within. Wouldn't you agree, Remus?" Sirius interjected, taking a sip from his drink.
Remus looked at Sirius with anger in his eyes and simply replied, "Absolutely."
After a while, Denise finally arrived, closely followed by Florin, who anxiously glanced at them. Worple, observing the situation, quickly pulled an armchair away from the sunlight and warmly smiled at Florin, gesturing for him to take a seat. Denise exchanged a knowing glance with Ludvik and nodded towards the garden.
"Excuse us, Sirius, if you wouldn't mind. Denise and I would like to have a private conversation with you," Ludvik spoke up.
"Can it wait?" Sirius inquired, his eyes fixated on the tray of pastries that Denise had levitated from the kitchen.
"No, it can't. Please join us outside," Ludvik insisted.
Sirius let out a weary sigh and followed them outside to the porch swing, where Denise enjoyed sitting in the afternoons, looking lovingly at her flowers. Taking a seat between them, Sirius waited for Ludvik to extinguish his cigarette before he spoke up.
"Sirius, let's cut to the chase. I assume you'll be retrieving your godson, right?" Ludvik asked without beating around the bush.
"Once I sort out my affairs with the Ministry of Magic and Gringotts, I'll go straight to him. There's no reason for him to remain with his aunt any longer," Sirius replied.
"Then, I must warn you. You're on a collision course with Albus Dumbledore," Ludvik cautioned.
"I'm aware of that. Remus already gave me a heads-up," Sirius acknowledged.
"Nevertheless, you must ensure the boy goes with you at all costs," Ludvik emphasized.
"At all costs?" Sirius frowned, seeking clarification.
"Ludo, tell him," Denise interjected.
Ludvik nodded and shifted his gaze from the flowers to Sirius. "Indeed, it's a story that goes back a long way. Only a select few know about it. What do you know about the legendary duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald?"
"It was the duel of the century, and Dumbledore emerged victorious, saving the world," Sirius replied.
"That may be the surface of it... But yes, they both demonstrated their superior abilities to the rest of us. However, your perspective might change after I disclose why Dumbledore sought out Grindelwald," Ludvik hinted.
"Why?" Sirius inquired, curiosity etched on his face.
"During the late twenties, when I was still a mere Auror, I was assigned a mission. I was tasked with delving into Grindelwald's past, specifically his youth and childhood," Ludvik explained. "After the incidents in New York and Paris, Grindelwald became public enemy number one. Ironically, despite his public appearances across Europe, he was virtually untraceable, and his origins remained shrouded in mystery... A brilliant student at Durmstrang, he was inexplicably expelled. Then, he vanished until resurfacing as a dark wizard. From this point onward, what I'm about to reveal is highly classified."
Ludvik reached into his pocket, produced a folded paper, and unfolded it before continuing, "My investigation led me to Great Britain, to a village that you're quite familiar with."
"Where exactly?" Sirius inquired, growing more intrigued.
"Godric's Hollow," Ludvik replied.
"Godric's Hollow? What was he doing there?" Sirius pressed for more details.
"He was visiting his aunt, Bathilda Bagshot," Ludvik revealed.
"The author?" Sirius inquired, his curiosity growing.
"One and the same... However, during that period, Godric's Hollow was also home to another wizarding family," Ludvik revealed.
"Who?" Sirius pressed for more information.
"The Dumbledore family," Ludvik answered.
"I had no idea... So, you believe they crossed paths long before their eventual confrontation?" Sirius questioned.
"More than just crossing paths... I managed to interview Bagshot, posing as the chief editor of a historical publication abroad. During the interview, I attempted to steer the conversation toward the events on the continent and elicit her opinions on Grindelwald. However, she skillfully evaded those topics and redirected the discussion to more professional matters..."
He cleared his throat. "I found her behavior suspicious, so I decided to prolong my stay in the village and keep a watchful eye on her. After two days, I had the perfect opportunity to break into her house and search for clues. That's when I stumbled upon this. Take a look," Ludvik said, handing the paper to Sirius.
Sirius accepted it and read slowly, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the contents. After finishing, his eyes widened in astonishment.
Gellert,
Your point about Wizard dominance being FOR THE MUGGLES' OWN GOOD, this, I think, is the crucial point. Yes, we have been given power and yes, that power gives us the right to rule, but it also gives us responsibilities over the ruled.
We must stress this point; it will be the foundation stone upon which we build. Where we are opposed, as we surely will be, this must be the basis of all our counterarguments. We seize control FOR THE GREATER GOOD. And from this, it follows that where we meet resistance, we must use only the necessary force and no more. (This was your mistake at Durmstrang! But I do not complain because we would never have met if you had not been expelled.)
Albus.
"Wizard dominance... the right to rule... seize control... use the force?" Sirius read the words slowly, his voice filled with disbelief.
"I swear on my soul, I haven't altered a single word," Ludvik assured him.
"Merlin... they were plotting together. This is an act of treason. They were partners! I don't understand. This letter makes it sound like they were friends. How did they become enemies?" Sirius questioned, his mind racing with confusion.
"I have three theories that could potentially explain why Dumbledore turned against Grindelwald. The first theory revolves around vengeance. Shortly after this letter was sent, Ariana Dumbledore, Albus's younger sister, died during a heated argument between Albus, Aberforth, and Grindelwald in their own home. Grindelwald may have been responsible for her death, either accidentally or intentionally. Dumbledore could have sought revenge for his sister's demise," Ludvik explained.
"I know Aberforth... but I had no idea he had a sister. Merlin! The painting in his Inn!" Sirius exclaimed, connecting the dots.
"The second reason might have been to eliminate Grindelwald to prevent any potential blackmail related to their shared past. Dumbledore was already a renowned wizard, on the verge of becoming the Supreme Mugwump and the British Minister for Magic. Grindelwald posed a problem that needed to be eliminated," Ludvik continued.
"No... I mean, he may have been ashamed of his past, but he turned down all the offers he received," Sirius countered.
"Sirius, Ludvik is simply sharing his impression from over five decades ago. At that time, no one could have foreseen Dumbledore's true intentions. We must rely on the material evidence we have," Denise interjected.
"But still, it's Albus Dumbledore!" Sirius protested.
"And Peter Pettigrew was once one of your closest friends," Ludvik pointed out.
"It's not the same..." Sirius admitted, aware of the distinction.
"Sirius, we're not accusing Dumbledore of being a secret dark wizard or manipulating events from behind the scenes. We are simply cautioning you to remain vigilant when dealing with him," Denise clarified.
"Sirius, have you discussed the night the Potters died, and Lord Voldemort vanished, with Lupin?" Ludvik inquired.
"We've sort of avoided that topic for now," Sirius confessed.
"Well, the story that circulated worldwide is that Lord Voldemort perished in his attempt to kill Harry. Do you realize what that means?" Ludvik asked.
"That he messed up somehow," Sirius replied casually.
"Lord Voldemort doesn't make mistakes or miss when it comes to killing. It means that the boy possesses a power that surpasses Voldemort's comprehension and best previsions. Thus, since that day, many have set their sights on him, driven by their greed," Ludvik explained.
"But he was just a toddler!" Sirius exclaimed.
"A baby who not only survived the Killing Curse but also defeated the one who cast it! Don't you think that would be of great interest to the Department of Mysteries or St Mungo's? Imagine the value human traffickers could place on selling him alive or using his organs for dark magic rituals, among other sinister purposes," Ludvik pointed out.
"So, Dumbledore is protecting him?" Sirius questioned.
"For now, he is," Denise confirmed, drawing Sirius's attention to the letter and pointing at a symbol beneath Dumbledore's signature. It was a vertical line and a circle enclosed by a triangle.
"I've seen this somewhere," Sirius recalled, running his finger along the lines. "I remember now. It was during the summer after our second year at Hogwarts. I spent a few days at James's home, and we sneaked into his father's office. That symbol was engraved on the wall above the fireplace."
Ludvik and Denise exchanged concerned glances, and Sirius inquired, "What's the problem?"
"The Potters are descendants of Ignotus Peverell," Denise revealed.
"Who?" Sirius asked, unfamiliar with the name.
"Ignotus Peverell was one of the three brothers said to have created the Deathly Hallows," Denise explained.
"That's just a myth! A children's tale," Sirius dismissed.
"No, it's not... The Peverell brothers may not have truly encountered death, but they were brilliant wizards who forged three exceedingly dangerous artifacts: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility," Ludvik interjected.
"The Elder Wand passed from wizard to wizard through acts of murder. The Resurrection Stone disappeared shortly after its creator's suicide. As for the Cloak, it traversed through time until a Peverell girl married a Stinchcombe, who eventually became known as Potter," Denise elaborated, revealing the hidden lineage.
"A cloak... James had a cloak! Are you saying that was a Hallow?" Sirius exclaimed.
"Where did he acquire it?" Ludvik inquired.
"He received it from his father, who inherited it from his grandfather... James was incredibly proud when he received it. He said it was a cherished family heirloom," Sirius explained.
"Have you ever wondered why it continued to function after all those years? Even the finest cloaks in the market lose their enchantment after a decade or so," Ludvik pointed out.
"We were twelve at the time, and it allowed us to go anywhere we pleased within the castle, so we didn't really care... So, the stone is lost... Where is the wand now? What makes it so special?" Sirius asked.
"It is the most powerful wand ever created. For years, Gregorovitch claimed to possess it. Although many doubted him, his craftsmanship was so exceptional that skepticism lingered... One day, he approached me, claiming that the wand had been stolen by an unknown young man. Years later, I realized that man was none other than Gellert Grindelwald," Ludvik revealed.
"Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald... So, he must possess the wand now... And if he has the wand, along with the cloak..." Sirius trailed off, connecting the dots.
"I beg your pardon?" Ludvik interrupted.
"James allowed Dumbledore to borrow the cloak, and he never had the chance to retrieve it from him," Sirius confessed.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Ludvik exclaimed in disbelief.
"Why would that be a problem? Listen, Dumbledore has been offered the position of Minister of Magic multiple times. Currently, he serves as the Supreme Mugwump and headmaster of Hogwarts. And so far, he has only used his power to help others," Sirius defended.
"Sirius, one thing has remained consistent throughout history. Countless wizards and witches, both good and bad, have attempted to unite the Deathly Hallows and master death. They have all failed, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed... Because it is the Deathly Hallows that exert control over you, not the other way around... And now, Dumbledore possesses two of them and the boy who survived," Denise emphasized.
"Do you believe he intends to exploit Harry in some way?" Sirius asked.
"I believe it's a possibility that you should consider," Denise replied.
"I won't allow it!" Sirius declared defiantly.
"And how exactly do you plan to do that? Duel Dumbledore?" Ludvik questioned.
"I could... Blackmail him... I'll reveal his past with Grindelwald," Sirius suggested.
"Water under the bridge! Furthermore, after defeating Grindelwald and serving the wizarding world faithfully for four decades, nobody would care," Denise countered.
"You would only be dragging Harry into a conflict between the two of you! Remember, he will soon be under Dumbledore's authority as his Headmaster," Ludvik cautioned.
"What should I do then?" Sirius asked, seeking guidance.
Ludvik smiled and posed a question, "What have you learned during the weeks you've been here?"
"That you're an asshole, a crook, a liar..." Sirius started, before realizing the point Ludvik was making. "A clever man who achieves his goals without relying on his wand."
"That's me!" Ludvik chuckled. "Anyways, Dumbledore won't be as easily fooled as you... That's why starting tomorrow, you'll be working on Occlumency and Legilimency with me. I suppose you wouldn't mind postponing your return to England for a week or two."
"That works for me," Sirius agreed.
"And it'll only cost you two hundred galleons per week!" Ludvik exclaimed, gleefully.
"I'll beat you up with a rock," Sirius threatened.
"Such violence won't be tolerated in this house! Sirius, you're my student now, and..." Ludvik began before Denise pinched his ear.
"MY HOUSE! Not yours! You're just a permanent parasite here!" Denise retorted, while Remus emerged from the house.
"Denise, you should come back inside. Eldred and Damocles have tied Red to a chair and are trying to persuade Florin to bite him," Remus informed them.
"What a snitch!" Sirius exclaimed, looking disappointed at Remus.
