Truth

Read up to 25 chapters ahead on Patreon - patreon.com/Dark_sym

-----

Ethan and Lupin lifted Peter Pettigrew's body and wrapped it tightly in a white sheet. They secured it with rope, making it easier to handle.

Ethan was now responsible for sending Pettigrew's body to the Ministry of Magic for registration. With one less servant of Voldemort, they had achieved a small victory.

"Professor Ethan," a voice suddenly called from behind.

Ethan turned to see Hermione.

"Professor Ethan, I'm sorry I was too impulsive," Hermione said in a barely audible voice.

"You should be," Ethan responded sternly, looking from Hermione to Ron.

"I've taught you many times to think carefully before acting and not to be reckless."

"We know it was a mistake," Hermione admitted, staring at her toes, while Ron nodded quickly beside her.

Their misunderstanding had almost led to a disaster. Thankfully, the situation was under control now, but any unintended consequences from their actions could have been catastrophic.

"You need to learn from this mistake," Ethan said, squinting at them.

"I'm deducting fifty points from each of you."

Hermione bit her lip, feeling foolish, and Ron looked equally disheartened. At Ethan's insistence, they left his office, dejected.

In contrast to Hermione and Ron's gloom, Harry was elated. He had just discovered that his parents had appointed Sirius as his guardian so he could finally escape his dreadful uncle and aunt. Harry had always believed he was stuck with them until adulthood, and now, for the first time, he felt a profound happiness.

"So—are you willing to live with me?" Sirius asked cautiously.

"Of course, if you don't want to, it's alright," he added quickly, looking nervous.

"I do! I do!" Harry replied eagerly.

"Can I leave the Dursleys now? Do you have a house? When can I go?"

Sirius smiled, a genuine smile for the first time, and Harry was momentarily stunned by how much it resembled the smile in the old photographs of his parents.

Ethan's sudden appearance disrupted their warm moment.

"I think we need to take you two to Dumbledore," he said to Harry and Sirius.

They both nodded. Such a significant event needed to be reported.

Following Ethan, they walked towards Dumbledore's office. Sirius was filled with a mix of emotions at this moment. After twelve years, he stepped outside as a free man, his true identity no longer hidden or altered by Polyjuice Potion.

With his head held high, he walked down the corridor, feeling the weight of his past lift. He quickly wiped the corners of his eyes, not wanting his godson or Ethan to see his vulnerability.

The three quickly arrived at the principal's office. As soon as Ethan approached, the gargoyle at the door slid away automatically.

Harry and Sirius were slightly surprised but didn't ask any questions and followed Ethan into the office.

Dumbledore was waiting for them inside. When he saw Harry and Sirius, a twinkle appeared in his eyes.

"I think you all know the truth now, don't you?" Dumbledore asked, smiling at Sirius and Harry.

"Yes!" Harry nodded excitedly.

"Congratulations, Black, on your freedom," Dumbledore said warmly.

"Dumbledore, I want to discuss something with you," Sirius said nervously.

"I want Harry to live with me." Harry nodded eagerly beside him, feeling like he was only a step away from happiness.

Dumbledore's eyes moved back and forth between Sirius and Harry.

"I'm afraid I can't agree to that request, Sirius," Dumbledore said after a moment of silence.

Harry and Sirius looked stunned. They hadn't expected Dumbledore to refuse.

"But why?" Harry asked, bewildered.

"Harry, there's a reason. It would be best if you lived with the Dursleys," Dumbledore replied calmly.

"Best?" Harry's voice sharpened.

"They've been abusing me since I was a kid!"

"That's not what I meant," Dumbledore said steadily.

"It's time I told you some truths," Dumbledore said, crossing his fingers and resting his elbows on the table.

Harry's eyes widened, and he pinched his fingers uneasily. He felt that Dumbledore was about to reveal something significant.

"When I left you as a baby on your aunt and uncle's doorstep, I knew you might suffer," Dumbledore said calmly.

"I knew your childhood could be very dark and miserable." Dumbledore paused, choosing his words carefully.

Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Dumbledore raised a hand to stop him.

"I know you want to ask why. Why did I place you with the Dursleys instead of another wizarding family? Many wizarding families were willing to take you in at that time. You would have had a happy childhood with them."

Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise. This was the first time he'd heard anyone explain what had happened back then.

He wondered why Dumbledore had placed him with the Dursleys despite the other options.

Dumbledore continued before Harry could voice his questions.

"But the situation in the wizarding world was very dangerous then. Voldemort had only been defeated for a few hours, and crazed and desperate Death Eaters were still at large. You must understand that a cornered animal is the most dangerous. Your situation was still very perilous."

Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and continued.