Entitled

Chapter 50*

A couple of days later, you find yourself in the Restricted Section of the library, rummaging through ancient tomes and spellbooks, desperately searching for something that might help you remove the Dark Mark from your arm. You're lost in your thoughts, the weight of the mark and what it represents pressing heavily on your mind.

As you scan the shelves, you hear a group of students nearby, their excited whispers catching your attention. Glancing over, you see them huddled around a newspaper, the headline catching your eye: "Sirius Black Spotted in Nearby Town."

Your heart skips a beat, and you turn to see Lupin standing near the door of the library. He makes brief eye contact with you before turning and walking away. Quickly gathering your things, you follow him, your curiosity and concern driving you forward.

"Remus," you call out as you catch up to him. "Have you read the paper?"

He nods, his expression conflicted. "Yes, I have."

You look around to make sure no one else is listening before speaking again. "How do you feel about all of this?"

Lupin sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I'm conflicted, to say the least. Sirius was a friend once, but if the rumors are true..."

You gently pull him into a dark alcove, away from prying eyes and ears. "Do you believe Peter Pettigrew is really dead?" you ask, your voice low and urgent.

Lupin looks at you, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "He hasn't been spotted since that day. Not once in 13 years."

You shake your head, the pieces of the puzzle not fitting together. "That doesn't mean he's dead, and it doesn't mean Black is a murderer. It's too convenient that all they found of Pettigrew was a finger."

Lupin's brow furrows as he considers your words. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting that maybe we don't have the full story," you say, your voice firm. "If Pettigrew only left behind a finger, it could have been staged. There's too much we don't know."

Lupin studies you, a mixture of curiosity and concern in his eyes. "You know, this isn't really your business, but it's been weighing on your mind, hasn't it?"

You nod, feeling a sense of urgency. "Yes, it has. Do you believe Sirius had it in him to give the Potters up to Voldemort?"

He sighs, the weight of old memories visible on his face. "It was a shock to everyone, especially me. We all trusted Sirius. I trusted him."

"Why are you so interested in these matters of the past?" he asks, his tone gentle but probing.

You take a deep breath, trying to articulate the feeling that's been nagging at you. "There's something in the way Sirius Black is screaming in those photos, like he's desperately trying to be heard. It's almost as if he's screaming that he's innocent. How can a man be convicted of such a crime when all that was left of Pettigrew was a finger?"

Lupin's expression becomes more thoughtful. "Sirius is a very accomplished wizard, Y/N. He could have easily staged the scene. But I admit, something about it has never sat right with me either."

He steps closer, lowering his voice. "Be careful where you go putting your nose. These are dangerous waters, and not everyone will appreciate you digging into the past."

You nod, understanding the gravity of his warning. "I will. But I can't ignore this feeling that something's not right. If there's a chance that Sirius is innocent, we owe it to him and to ourselves to find out the truth."

Just then, you hear the clicking of dress shoes on stone—a familiar sound. Your heart quickens as you recognize the approach. You whisper to Lupin, "Let me know if you find out anything."