Chapter 182 The Final Chapter Of The Prisoner
On the edge of Hogwarts grounds, Evan slid off Firenze's back.
"We part ways here, Evan," whispered Firenze, "Go to your human castle, I am not worthy to enter."
"Thank you, Firenze!" Evan waved his wand, and Peter Pettigrew floated alongside him. He took two steps forward and suddenly hesitated. He turned back and said, "About what is preserved in your tribe..."
"If you wish to possess it, you are welcome to our tribe at any time," Firenze looked up at the sky and said softly, "The stars have told me that you may be the chosen one by destiny. Good luck, Evan Mason!"
He turned around and left Evan and Peter Pettigrew, then slowly returned to the depths of the forest.
Evan waited until his figure had completely disappeared, then gazed at the unusually bright Mars in the night sky before walking with the stunned Peter Pettigrew towards the castle.
A few minutes later, he encountered Harry and Hermione in the Great Hall.
"You've captured Peter Pettigrew, you've caught this traitor! I knew you would!" Harry rushed to see Peter Pettigrew, completely forgetting about the Patronus, solely focused on helping Sirius clear his name. Excitedly he exclaimed, "Tell us, Evan, how did you do it? I just saw Firenze on the Marauder's Map!"
Harry had no time to hear Evan's reply; Hermione immediately stood in front of him.
Her eyes glistened with tears. Her face reflected excitement, nervousness, concern, and all sorts of emotions. Without speaking, she approached and hugged him tightly.
"I'm fine, Hermione," Evan patted her shoulder. "I met the Centaurs in the Forbidden Forest. Firenze helped me..."
Evan climbed the steep spiral stone staircase and gave them a summary of what happened inside the Forbidden Forest.
"It's incredible; we haven't had as much success as you have here," said Harry, mentioning their encounter with the Patronus. "I don't understand; who would conjure the stag?"
"I agree with Hermione. It should be Snape."
"Snape?!" Harry shook his head and said stubbornly, "This is impossible, how could he...?"
"Alright, Harry. We'll talk about this later. Now, we have more pressing matters, we only have ten minutes left, we need to get back to the wing. Before anyone sees us, we must be where Dumbledore locked us in...". Hermione checked her watch.
Upon hearing Hermione's words, the three hurried quickly.
The castle corridor was silent. Besides them, there was no one else. Evan noticed that the portraits on both sides of the corridor were empty. Everyone seemed to be focused on the tower, investigating the Sirius Black matter.
It wasn't until they reached the fourth floor that they heard laughter up ahead.
"It's Peeves!" murmured Harry, signaling Evan and Hermione to stop.
Ahead of them, Peeves seemed to be in high spirits, bouncing up and down in the hallway. He was filled with joy.
The three looked at each other and quickly hid in an empty classroom on the left.
"This is awful!" whispered Hermione, pressing her ear to the door. "I bet he's so happy because the Dementors are off to find Sirius..."
"It seems he's gone, we should hurry," Evan also leaned on the door, listening for a moment. Peeves' triumphant voice faded into the distance.
"Three minutes remaining!" Hermione checked her watch again.
The three rushed out of the room. Evan waved his wand, and Pettigrew's body also accelerated, floating strangely behind him, like a kite made of an extremely ugly man.
"Hermione, what will happen if we don't get back before Dumbledore closes the door?" Harry asked, panting.
"I don't want to think about that," Hermione murmured, glancing at her watch again, "Just one minute left!"
The three individuals were panting, having reached the entrance of the school hospital at the end of the hallway.
"I overheard Dumbledore speaking," Hermione said nervously, "Come on, Evan! Come on, Harry!"
They crouched and made their way down the hallway; the door to the room was ajar, and Dumbledore's back came into view.
"I've locked you in, it's now five minutes to midnight!" Dumbledore announced, "Miss Granger, take six spins, good luck!"
Dumbledore exited the room and magically sealed the door with his wand.
Evan, Harry, and Hermione rushed forward in a panic. Dumbledore looked up and smiled beneath his long beard.
"Well?" he said softly.
"Professor, we did it!" Harry exclaimed, "We captured Peter Pettigrew."
"Well done, now hand him over to me, I will take care of him!" Dumbledore smiled at them. With a gentle flick of his wand, he conjured a stretcher in the air.
Peter, who had been floating in the air, descended onto the stretcher. Evan felt as though he had lost control over him. A powerful force instantly suppressed his magic.
"Professor, I have something to ask you," Evan hurriedly spoke.
He wanted to inform Dumbledore about Professor Trelawney's prophecy. He also wished to inquire about Dumbledore's intentions, the purpose of that night's arrangement, and more. Additionally, the key to the treasure left by Gryffindor and kept within the Centaur tribe had been divided. Evan wanted to know Dumbledore's thoughts on the matter.
"Of course, Evan, but not now, you need to rest," Dumbledore replied calmly.
"Professor, I have something to tell you, about the Patronus..." Harry began.
"Likewise with you, Harry, you can say whatever you wish tomorrow!" Dumbledore seemed to be listening for any voices in the room. "Very well, I believe you should leave. Inside. Leave everything to me. You three need to rest, I will lock you in."
Evan, Harry, and Hermione stealthily returned to the room, finding it empty except for Ron, still unconscious in bed.
The door locked behind them, and Evan, Harry, and Hermione crawled back to their beds, while Hermione concealed the Time-Turner under her robe.
Madam Pomfrey returned from her office. She checked on them and handed out a few pieces of chocolate.
Evan consumed two pieces, feeling his consciousness grow heavier, and gradually fell asleep.
He knew that this year's event had finally been resolved. He had altered the course of history; capturing Peter Pettigrew and saving Sirius Black.
Evan was uncertain of the impact his actions would have on his future, but regardless of the challenges he would face, he was prepared. He was ready to grow stronger gradually, first by finding a way to obtain the piece of Treasure left by Gryffindor and held by the Centaur tribe, and then...