HERO OR ZERO?
Pettigrew May Not Have Been The Hero We Think He Was

Toronto - Since the tragic Halloween night nearly fifteen years ago, the British Wizarding world has been led to believe that Peter Pettigrew truly was a hero, having the nerve to confront Sirius Black, at the time assumed to be the secret keeper of the Fidelius charm cast on the Potters' property (for more details of that fateful night, see page 4). Pettigrew allegedly was killed along with a dozen or more Muggles, when Black allegedly blew up a London street. He was quickly apprehended at the scene.

New information from a credible source has come to light that disputes the story, and in fact names Pettigrew as the Potters' secret-keeper on that occasion, and in an even more startling revelation, Pettigrew is still very much alive, and in fact a Death Eater, sitting in Voldemort's inner circle. If this is in fact true, it calls into question everything we know about the evening of October 31, 1981.

A quick query to the British Ministry of Magic yielded no transcript of Mr. Black's trial, and so this reporter must ask, has Mr. Black received a trial at all? It is unfathomable that a potentially innocent man has been locked away for twelve years with no charges laid against his person, and no chance to defend himself against the state. If this is the type of justice being offered by our compatriots across the Atlantic, one has to look at this as only one example, as to why, perhaps, they have the issues they do.

- Stan Kempler, National Wizards' Standard

"He wrote that well, I think," said Harry, as he put the copy of the National Wizards' Standard on the table. It was the morning of July 24, and Travis had invited a reporter from the Canadian wizarding newspaper the previous day. "I'll pass this on to Luna, see if her father would run it in the Quibbler as well."
"Right, Harry, the interview they did with you last winter helped loads," Hermione remembered. Harry nodded in agreement. "We can add her to the floo access list, as well as Neville."
"They were with you in the department of mysteries?" Travis guessed. Harry nodded, "Yeah."
"What I don't get, is how that's gonna help clear Mr. Black," said Derek. He had a double-barrel shotgun disassembled on the table, and was busily cleaning the components.
"You know, a 'scourgify' would clean that instantly, right?" said Travis.
"If he were a wizard, maybe," said Lisa. She stood at the island counter, sipping a cup of tea.
"Anyway," said Travis, "The thing is, this will cause a bunch of controversy, right? This shit will get back to England pretty fast, I'm sure."
"It'll be right embarrassing for Fudge and his lackeys," said Harry, "Time Fudge found out what it feels like to get bad press. They ran my name through the mud all last year… 'The Boy Who Lies', they called me."
"Can't 'ya sue them?" questioned John. He and Ron were locked in another chess match, which he was again clearly winning. Ron had only been able to beat him a few times in the past couple of days.
"God, I don't know," said Harry, "See, there's another point! I've been kept in the dark about so much… I don't have a CLUE about wizard law and such."
"Don't you guys have Habeas Corpus?" questioned Derek.
"Habeas what?" questioned Ron.
"Habeas Corpus," said Hermione, "It's a legal action in the Muggle legal system. It forces the court to examine whether someone is being detained unlawfully."
"Could that apply to Sirius, then?" questioned Harry.
"I don't know. I'm as much in the dark about the wizard legal system as you are, Harry."
"Then maybe we need to find out."

"Albus, you might want to see this," said Minerva, as she stepped into the headmaster's office. Albus looked up from a stack of parchment he was dealing with from the ministry, and Minerva placed a copy of the National Wizards' Standard on his desk.
"Well, well. Harry's certainly not wasting any time, now, is he?" said Albus, as he quickly read the article.
"I must ask, Albus, being the head of the Wizengamot, you could have forced a trial for Mr. Black at any time. Why did you not?"
"It just wasn't-"
"If Mr. Potter were to ever hear the sentence you were about to finish…" Minerva's lips became so thin they almost vanished. "You better hope he doesn't aim his pen in your direction."
"By official standards, Sirius is dead," Albus contested, "There won't be a need for-"
"Yes, and you would like it to stay that way, I'm sure," Minerva said icily, "You know Mr. Potter won't allow that. Nor will Mr. Black. I'm warning you, Albus. I somehow have the feeling it won't be a wise thing to be an enemy of either."
"What would you have me do, Minerva? Entertain the whims of a fifteen-year-old?"
"Whatever it takes. We need Mr. Potter as much as he needs us."
"Yes, I would agree on that one," said Albus, "Although I do suspect his change of attitude might be in part from his new friends. I do admire Mr. Connor's courage, there… Daring to confront me with a Muggle weapon and so on."
"You're lucky he didn't decide to attack you. Wizard or not, he could have seriously injured you, if not killed you."
"I very well understand that, Minerva. You should have saw the sort of life that boy has lived. I can see how Harry has connected with him. Mr. Fisher, equally, he's been a bit of a trouble maker."
"Yes, I've seen the file from the Canadian ministry on him. Most of his offences can be written off, though. The Bartlett boy, causing the bulk of the trouble. Does that scenario not remind you of someone?"
"Perhaps, yes."
"Yet another reason, I'm sure, Mr. Potter is considering his options regarding returning to Hogwarts in the fall. Albus, really, I do suggest you rethink your position and your strategy. If not, it might be YOUR dirty laundry Mr. Potter starts to air on the front page of the Prophet. For I do believe, he might be exercising his Slytherin side for a change."

The British ministry was amazingly quiet considering the very pointed accusations levelled in the article from the National Wizards' Standard. Oh yes, they were VERY much aware of it, and the minister of magic was definitely concerned. If such accusations were proven true, it would be damning to his position. Sure, he had not been minister at the time of Black's arrest-that had been Millicent Bagnold-still, if it were proven the ministry had sent an innocent man to Azkaban for twelve years… Cornelius shuddered at the implications.

At just that time, an ominous looking envelope appeared on the minister's desk. He shuddered again, recognizing the seal: the International Confederation of Warlocks. He opened it, hoping and praying it wasn't regarding the article in the Canadian paper. His prayers went unheard.

Minister Fudge,
In response to a request by the Canadian Ministry of Magic, the ICW is launching an inquiry into a potential miscarriage of justice, in the matter of one Sirius Orion Black. Understand, it is a rare occurrence for this body to interfere in the affairs of member nations, but regretfully, many questions are being raised in the international community, with regards to negligence on the part of your ministry, with how it has dealt with the threat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

You will expect, at the beginning of August, to receive a visit from an international contingent, who will be reviewing all materials relevant to the Black case, and potentially reviewing information relevant to your ministry's actions with regard to the threat of Voldemort.

Hope you are well,
Judy Borgis, Secretary,
International Confederation of Warlocks

Cornelius stared at the single parchment, then and there realizing his days as minister were seriously numbered. "Weatherby!!" he shouted.

"Well, Harry, you weren't kidding around," said Remus, as he stepped out of the floo. It was the following afternoon, and once again, everyone was stuck inside the cottage, as the miserable weather continued.
"What do you mean?" questioned Harry, looking up from the sixth year charms text book he had been reading.
"Have a read." Remus handed Harry the letter. "The ICW sent that to the minister of magic yesterday."
"ICW? What's that?" questioned John. He was watching Travis as he and Bill were busily making a number of potions to replenish the stock, helping out where he could.
"International confederation of warlocks," answered Bill.
"The wizarding version of the United Nations," said Travis.
"What will they do?" questioned John.
"Well, unexpected, but they might be able to force the ministry to give Sirius justice," said Travis, "Thing is, we didn't do that."
"Not to mention, Dumbledore is a member," said Harry.
"Wouldn't matter. At least how I understand it, it's a democratic membership."
"According to this, the Canadian ministry asked for an inquiry," said Remus, "And without any documentation to back up the action, the ministry will have a lot to answer for."
"Could the confederation order the ministry to release Sirius?" Harry sounded hopeful.
"I think so. They would still be doing it 'posthumously', of course, not knowing Sirius is still alive and well."
"It'll be one hell of a prank when he shows himself again," Harry grinned. That got a smirk from the werewolf. "I couldn't agree more on that one, Harry."
"How's the Order responding?"
"Doing very little. They are most certainly aware of it, Albus made sure of that."
"Thing is, they probably won't HAVE to do anything," said Travis, "The ministry will take the lesser of two evils--"
"No matter what, this is a scandal, it'll make the whole ministry look bad. Can't ask for a better response than that," said Bill, "You said you wanted changes, Harry."
"Guess I did… maybe not quite that fast, but… still. I've got that article ready for Luna as well."
"Just do be careful, our world is already on shaky ground as it is," Remus warned, "We are fighting a war."
"Being led by incompetent fools," said Harry, "Fudge dragged my name through the mud all last year, it's time I returned the favour."
"Indeed," Remus agreed, "So… what are you two making, anyway?" he gestured to the large amount of potion ingredients laid out on the table, and the half-dozen simmering cauldrons.
"Replenishing my stores," answered Travis, "A few calming draughts, anti-hangover, a couple batches of veritaserum-"
"Veritaserum?" Remus arched an eyebrow. "You do know that's heavily regulated by the ministry."
"So? Hasn't stopped me before. Same as Polyjuice. Never know when it might come in handy."
"Just as important, I'm helping him to brew the antidote to it," Bill added, "As Travis said-JOHN, NO!!" Too late, John had dropped a dusting of a fine powder to one of the cauldrons he had been watching. Bill thrust his wand at the cauldron, and banished it outside, where it exploded with a brilliant flash.
"Err… what just happened?"
"Ground erumpent horn. Bloody hell, that could have been a disaster," said Bill, shaking his head.
"Sorry."
"Don't worry about it, honest mistake. That stuff's explosive with a capital E. You needed this stuff…" Bill gestured to a separate pile, "Ground billywig stingers for that one."
"What was that?" questioned Sirius, as he and Lisa appeared from the stairs.
"Just an accident," answered Travis, "Everything's under control."
"Mr. Lupin, welcome back," Lisa smiled.
"So this stuff's explosive, huh?"
"Very. The fluid is more potent, but either will do tremendous damage if you're not careful."
"Just a sec…" John left the table, and went upstairs, only to return a minute later with his backpack. He dug into it, and pulled out a textbook.
"Chemistry?" questioned Bill. John nodded. "There's stuff I can make that's explosive too."
"Oooh, chemistry and potions… don't think that would be a very good idea," said Remus.
"Why not?" challenged Travis, "They teach it that way at Nipigon."
"Well, this is what I have in mind…"

By the end of the afternoon, a batch of small vials rested in the centre of the table. Inside of each, was a mixture of kerosene and dish soap. Also contained, was a small vial of erumpent fluid. They had run several experiments, each being explosively successful, resulting in the finished product.
"Only thing is, they just burn. A terminator wouldn't be damaged by it," said John.
"Well, when Albus destroyed one of the Horcruxes in my world… he was attacked by a dark curse from it," said Sirius, "St. Mungo's had to amputate his left hand as a result, or it would've killed him."
"So you can have one of these things attack someone magically when it blows up," John guessed. Bill nodded, and said, "Yeah, we could do something like that. Just a strong burst of magic. Even a simple, concentrated stunner would probably do the trick."
"Nope, tried that. It has to be a charm that would work on an inanimate object," remembered Travis, "Or something that does damage, like the Reducto charm." Just then, the flames roared red, and Minerva stepped out of the fireplace.
"Professor," Harry greeted.
"Good day, Mr. Potter. We have a bit of a problem."
"What's happened?" questioned Remus.
"Death Eaters just attacked the residence of Madam Bones."
"Who's she?" Travis asked.
"Head of the department of magical law enforcement," said Harry, "She asked me a few questions at my trial last year. Is she okay?"
"Yes, for the most part. What we would like, if it would be suitable, is to have her stay here, along with her niece, who you of course know."
"Susan," said Harry, "She was in the DA last year. Travis?"
"Sure. But, I mean, why?"
"Although we could certainly hide them at Grimmauld Place, Belletrix Lestrange was sighted outside this morning, and Albus has elected to vacate the residence."
"You think the Fidelius charm might be compromised," said Remus. Minerva nodded, "Indeed. We're moving the Order's headquarters back to Hogwarts. As far as Madam Bones is concerned, she is a prominent department head, and given the precarious position of the Minister, it's likely her name will come up for nomination."
"Bill. You mind adding their names to the floo?" questioned Travis. Bill only nodded, and quickly made the adjustments to the floo.
"What of Susan's parents?"
"They're unaccounted for, Mr. Potter. The ministry is most certainly looking into it."
"So the war has truly begun," said Travis.
"It appears that way, Mr. Fisher. I will reiterate what was said when last we met, do look after yourselves."
"We will, professor."
"Albus is curious to know, did any of you have anything to do with the action the ICW is taking against the ministry?"
"No," answered Travis, "At least not directly. We had a visit from a reporter from the National Wizards' Standard, but that's all."
"The article that appeared in yesterday's paper."
"That would be the one," Travis smirked, "I take it that's got the ministry running around in circles."
"Very much so. Like I said, the minister's position is most certainly precarious."
"Good. Hope he has fun. It sure as hell wasn't fun for me last year," Harry said, acidly. Minerva pursed her lips, then said, "I'll send Madam Bones and Susan through the floo later this afternoon."
"I'll make some modifications upstairs, then," said Travis, heading to the stairs.
"I, meanwhile, had better return to Grimmauld Place, and collect things of importance," Remus decided, "I'll likely need to use the Shrieking Shack on the full moon."
"I'll see if I can convince Severus to brew some wolfsbane for you," Minerva offered.
"Good luck there… greasy git…" Harry muttered.
"Um… professor. If Madam Bones is head of law enforcement, what's she gonna do when she finds Sirius here?" Travis questioned.
"Simple. She won't," said Harry, "A glamour-"
"Madam Bones is already aware of the fact Sirius is here," Minerva answered, "Although she does wish to hear an explanation of events from him, by no means is she going to arrest him."
"Oh."

Just before dinner was served, Amelia and Susan Bones stepped out of the floo. Travis at once wrote out the secret, while Harry greeted them.
"Hi Harry," said Susan.
"Hi," said Harry, "Sorry it's not under better terms, I guess… Madam Bones…"
"Mr. Potter."
"Welcome," said Travis. "Travis Fisher."
"Thank you for letting us come," said Susan, as they were led to the table. Amelia gave Sirius a pointed look, but pulled up a seat.
"Susan, Madam Bones… my friends John, Travis, Lisa, Derek, and Sarah."
"Welcome," said Lisa, "It's not much, but my son and his friends have made it quite comfortable."
"So it seems," said Amelia, appraising the room, "Who erected the Fidelius charm?"
"I did," said Bill.
"Yes, of course." She gave the curse-breaker an easy smile. "You are taking care, Mr. Potter?"
"Of course."
"I've taken time off to help teach him," said Bill, "Since Dumbledore seems uninterested in doing so himself."
"Yes, I understand there is a bit of a rift between Albus and Mr. Potter. I'm curious as to what has happened," said Amelia, as she poured herself a glass of wine.
"He's kept me in the dark about things far too often, Madam Bones-"
"Amelia will do, if I may call you Harry."
"Great," said Harry, "Point is, when I fled Dumbledore's office at the end of June, I made a few decisions, one of which was that I would have a say in things from here on out. I'm days away from being sixteen, that's a year away from being an adult. Yet, Dumbledore and a few members of the Order seem to think I need to be coddled like an infant."
"Questions I have asked on numerous occasions, Harry. You're absolutely correct in your thinking."
"I never got a chance to thank you, for the little help you were able to give me during my hearing last summer."
"It was the right thing to do," said Amelia, "Even I had to question the motives of the minister. At worst, you should have faced myself and maybe a senior Auror, not the entire Wizengamot. Such a waste of time that was."
"No, it was only Fudge and his toad trying to discredit me."
"Show my aunt your hand, Harry," Susan prodded.
"No, not-" Harry began, but John snatched his hand, and dragged it up to the table. Amelia glanced at it, where the words were clearly etched, 'I must not tell lies'.
"Who did this? Mr. Pot-Harry, you must tell me who did this."
"Professor Umbridge," Harry ground out, giving John a death-glare, "I didn't want…"
"Oh no you don't. I've heard stories about some of the things that woman has done, just nothing to collaborate them."
"Good. I had my own ideas on how to deal with the pink-cardigan-wearing toad… but since you're interested… speak to Dennis Creevy and his brother."
"She used a blood quill on a twelve-year-old student?" Amelia was incensed. "I'll need to use the floo once we're done here, I think." She thought for a moment. "Speaking of the floo… I'm aware we are no longer in England. How is it you've managed to circumvent the standard international protocols with regards to wizards travelling through the floo?"
"That would be my doing," said Bill, "I'm very much aware it's illegal, but there are special circumstances at play, I'm sure you understand." Amelia nodded, saying, "Indeed, and given it is protected by a Fidelius charm, properly warded, and so on, the rules can certainly be bent. I need not say, however, the rules can't always be bent, they are there for a reason." She finished her glass of wine, and promptly refilled it.
"Thing is, we're at war, Amelia," said Remus, "The attack on your residence this afternoon is a clear message; Voldemort made a statement doing so."
"Indeed he has. Emmaline Vance was murdered a couple of weeks ago. Done very close to the Muggle Prime Minister's residence in London. A brutal killing."
"She was part of a group of witches and wizards that picked me up at the Dursleys last summer," said Harry.
"Harry… are you going to restart the DA again when we return to Hogwarts?" questioned Susan.
"I don't know if I'm coming back, Susan. I think my formal education has to wait, for now. I need some very focused training and so on right now. None of which I will receive at Hogwarts."
"Harry, if you do not return to Hogwarts, that will be sending a very ominous message to the parents of other students," Amelia warned. Harry only nodded in understanding. Of course she was right. The thing was, if he were to return, could he get the training and preparation he needed? Not to mention, there was the fact Voldemort was most certainly targeting him. Being at Hogwarts, that would put every student in danger-the LAST thing he wanted.

The July 30 edition of the Daily Prophet had another surprise. Harry had been convinced to write an open letter to the paper, as well as the Quibbler. Both papers agreed to publish, although the Daily Prophet wanted a stack of galleons for the full-page he wanted. Luna's father once again easily obliged Harry, remembering the last article he published had resulted in a sell-out twice over. Harry got help from Hermione, Sirius, Remus, and Amelia in composing the letter.

Dear reader,
Some of you are familiar with the fight I face, while some of you aren't. I hesitate in writing this, yet, my close friends suggested this, and I see its merits.

We are at war. If you don't believe that, I point to the recent attacks on Muggle neighbourhoods, along with several attacks on prominent witches and wizards, most recently against the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. If they do not fear repercussions from such attacks, I think it is clear we are truly in a state of war in Wizarding Britain. Voldemort is at large, and very much active. I have seen him-and fought him, twice in the past year and a half.

If we are to truly defeat Voldemort and those who follow him, it is going to take an effort from ALL of us, not just a select few. It is time that we as a community at large, stand up and tell Voldemort we will not stand for his attitude, nor his behaviour. Whether we be Muggle-born, half-bloods, or pure-bloods, we all have a right to coexist and practice magic. It is a gift we have all been given, no matter what our background.

That also means there has to be some changes to the way our community is governed. No more is it acceptable for a select few to decide and dictate the rule of law, to selectively ignore the law, and so on. When has it been acceptable for the Minister of Magic to accept bribes from certain pure-blood families, so certain laws can be 'temporarily' overlooked? This is the true state of things, dear reader. It can't continue, if we are to defeat Voldemort.

I want the children of my generation to grow up in a world free of tyranny, free of oppression. In a place where they feel SAFE. To grow up without the burdens that have been placed on my shoulders, and the shoulders of my friends.

I hope what I have written here has reached at least a few people, and in that case, we are on the track to a better future. If not… then what am I trying to save?

Sincerely,
Harry Potter
Boy-Who-Lived, the Chosen One

Lisa had laid down to relax, and perhaps do a bit of reading before she turned in for the night. The boys were still up and gathered downstairs, their voices still wafting up through the stairwell, and she had to smile. As dangerous a time as they were in, her son seemed to be happier than he had been in five years. His blooming relationship with the eldest Weasley boy, of course, had a lot to do with that. Then, of course, the Potter boy. Another wonderful friend, although it did concern her the threat he also brought. Yet, so did the Bartlett boy, she conceded, no matter what, Voldemort was a threat to her and her son.

She was snapped out of her thoughts, when Dobby popped into the room, bringing a ringing handset, looking curiously at it, then back at her.
"I'll take that, Dobby. It's a telephone." The elf handed her the device, and she pressed a button on it. "Hello?"
"Lisa…" the voice on the other end wheezed.
"Phil? What's wrong?"
"I… there's some strange people in the yard… wizards, I think… they attacked me! Where's Travis?!"
"Are you hidden somewhere safe?"
"Yes… I'm in the barn…"
"I'll get Travis to call the Aurors. Keep yourself hidden." She quickly got up, and went down the stairs. "Travis?"
"Mom? What's wrong?" The kids were gathered in front of the fireplace again.
"Your father's been attacked at the house. Wizards, he thinks. He's hidden himself in the barn for now."

There was no hesitation. As angry as his father made him, he was still his father. "Guys…" With that, four wizards, two witches, and one Muggle linked arms and apparated back to Travis' house.

It had taken a bit of time, but the machines had at last managed to get a lead as to the Connors' location: a residence in Penetanguishene. While Cromartie continued to work on additional leads, the second machine travelled to Penetanguishene.

It wasted no time subduing the lone occupant and thoroughly questioning him, gaining the appropriate information, then ransacking the house. It quickly found numerous pictures of the rest of the family, and easily identified the young member. No evidence of the Connors, however. It would need to question the other members of the household. It concocted a plausible story, disposed of the man, then picked up the phone.