Walking in, Harry directed Neville to the Hufflepuff table. He wanted to avoid his fellow ravens as exam fever had hit them hard and he really didn't fancy having Ron pop up. Joining the girls, Harry sat down and made a plate for himself.
"Morning guys," Hannah greeted.
"Good morning," they said, before they fell into conversation about the up coming exams and holidays.
"What are you going to do about the holidays?" Susan asked, concerned about her friend.
"I'm not sure," Harry said honestly. "Flitwick wants to meet me after our exams are over."
"You told him then?" Susan asked.
"Yeah, after Christmas he found out," Harry told them.
"Good," Neville said.
"Yeah, hopefully he will sort it out. My aunt's still looking into it, but she said it's hard as your files are locked," Susan told them.
"You are welcome to spend the summer with me," Neville offered.
"Oh, and you should definitely visit us, we live next to each other," Hannah added.
"I'll try to see you all," Harry promised.
The owl mail arrived then and Harry saw a familiar small brown owl that he knew belonged to Edgar Dodge. Cutting up his bacon fat, Harry placed it in a small dish and gave it to the owl as he took the letter.
Mr. Potter,
I believe now would be a good time for you to acquire that piece of evidence.
I have managed to secure an emergency trial for the innocent party, which will be taking place in two weeks. I believe with the evidence you supply and his own testimony, you will soon be reunited with your godfather.
If you would bring the evidence to Gringotts at your earliest convenience, I will arrange for it to be found by a reliable Auror.
Sincerely,
Edgar Dodge Jr
Law Wizard, Dodge E & Dodge E'r
Reading the letter, Harry let out a relieved breath: he wouldn't have to spend the entire summer at the Dursleys. Now, all he had to do was capture that rat.
"Good news?" Neville asked, seeing Harry's smile.
"Oh yeah, great," Harry said absently as he planned - and he knew just the way to get into Gryffindor tower. Looking up and seeing that the hall was full, Harry decided to collect his evidence now.
"Hey guys, I've just remembered I've left my Charms work in my room. I'll meet you all later," he said.
"Okay, Harry," they agreed.
Sneaking into the lion's den was ridiculously easy with his cloak. All Harry had to do was wait for somebody to say the password and he slipped in with them undetected.
Making his way up to the first year dorms, Harry saw the mess that was Ron's bed. With a grimace of disgust, he approached the cage that Pettigrew was sleeping in. Stunning the already sleeping rat, Harry reached in and grabbed him.
Returning to his dorm, Harry transfigured a shoe into a cage and set about warding it. Placing the rat inside, Harry revived him and sent a stinging hex. Seeing the rat suddenly jerk awake, Harry smiled, not realising how sadistic he looked in that moment.
"Hello, Peter," he said, enjoying how the rat panicked and let out a pained squeak as he obviously tried to transform and found himself unable.
"Now, now Peter, you wouldn't want to do that. This cage is special. You won't be able to transform or escape from it," Harry said.
Harry flicked his wand so that a small food and water dispenser appeared; it wouldn't be good for the rat to die before he had gotten Sirius free. Placing the cage in his trunk, Harry barely kept from dancing in celebration.
Things were working out perfectly.
He should have known that he would jinx himself he thought as he was called up to Dumbledore's office after his final exam later that week. Quirrell had vanished two days ago, most likely with the fake stone, and Dumbledore had been looking grave and resentful whenever Harry had seen him.
Entering the office, Harry saw that it was in shambles; the headmaster had obviously lost hold of his temper.
"Ah, Harry, my boy, do come in," Dumbledore said, his voice strained as he obviously forced himself to act like a benevolent old man.
"You wanted to see me, headmaster?" Harry said, his voice light and inquisitive.
"Yes, my boy, I was just wondering if you had noticed anything strange recently?" he asked.
"Strange, sir?" Harry replied, sounding confused.
"Yes, with your scar?" Dumbledore said, his eyes gleaming.
"No, sir," Harry said.
Dumbledore seemed to deflate. "I see," he said, his voice void of emotion.
"Why, sir?" Harry asked, keeping his voice childlike.
"I have reason to believe Voldemort will likely return," Dumbledore said, his voice suddenly going dramatically grave.
....
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