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*****
"But Professor Lupin, that's impossible! Scabbers can't be Peter Pettigrew—he can't be an Animagus!"
Hermione didn't believe it either, though her doubt didn't come from trusting Scabbers, but rather from her extensive knowledge.
"After Professor McGonagall taught us about Animagi, I did some extra research while working on the assignment.
The Ministry of Magic keeps official records of all wizards who can transform into animals. There's a registry that lists their animal forms and distinctive markings.
I found Professor McGonagall in that registry—she can transform into a cat. And in this century, only seven registered Animagi exist. Peter Pettigrew's name is not on the list."
"That's because when we learned to become Animagi, we never registered with the Ministry."
Sirius transformed into a large black dog, then quickly returned to human form.
"But that still doesn't prove Scabbers is Pettigrew,"
Ron insisted, still unconvinced. Harry's expression was filled with hesitation as well.
Hermione took a deep breath.
"Professor, I've been keeping your secret all this time, but now I have to say it—you're a werewolf. And now you're defending Sirius… it's hard for me to believe what you're saying."
"What? A werewolf?!"
Ron and Harry's faces lit up with shock.
Lupin, clearly surprised, asked:
"How long have you known?"
"For a while now," Hermione replied.
"Ever since Professor Snape assigned that essay on werewolves, I figured it out."
"Snape would be pleased to hear that," Lupin said wryly.
"He gave that assignment hoping someone would realize my symptoms meant something.
Did you also look up the lunar phases and notice how I always fall ill during the full moon?
Or did you notice how my Boggart turned into the moon?"
"I noticed all of it," Hermione answered softly.
Lupin gave a faint smile.
"You're the brightest young witch I've ever met, Hermione."
"Lupin, this isn't the time for that," Sirius interrupted urgently.
"Someone's coming. Until I kill that rat and avenge our friends, I can't afford to be caught."
Sirius had sensed several wizards approaching in the distance and was preparing to leave before they arrived.
Just then, George finally spoke up:
"If you're truly innocent, then stop running. Wait for the Headmaster and the others to arrive—just explain everything to them."
"No! If I don't catch Peter Pettigrew, no one will believe me. They'll just throw me back into Azkaban!"
Sirius transformed back into the black dog and bolted toward the Whomping Willow.
But there was no way George would let him escape.
"Stupefy!"
He pointed a finger at Sirius's back, and a stunning spell shot forward.
"Wandless and wordless magic!"
Seeing George cast a spell so quickly without even using a wand left Lupin utterly shocked.
He instantly retaliated with the same spell, flinging a Stupefy at George.
"Stupefy!"
He knew Dumbledore would ensure justice, but today was the final day of the Ultimate Wizarding Exam, and there were Ministry officials present at the school.
If Sirius got caught now, even if Dumbledore believed him, the Ministry certainly wouldn't.
So, his only choice was to disable George and the others, take them away, and once the Ministry people had left the next day, help Sirius speak to Dumbledore and sort things out.
However, before Lupin's stunning spell could reach George, George casually waved a hand and deflected it.
"Sorry, Professor Lupin, but right now, I can't take your word for it either.
So… I'll have to trouble you for a bit. Expelliarmus!"
After deflecting the spell, George launched a Disarming Charm at nearly double Lupin's speed, knocking the wand from his hand, and followed it immediately with two more spells in rapid succession.
"Levicorpus! Incarcerous—quickly!"
Professor Lupin was hoisted head-down in midair, his hands bound by thick magical ropes, completely unable to cast a spell.
Wandless magic isn't simply "doing nothing"; it still requires precise gestures. Although simpler than elaborate wand work and comparable in speed, it's inevitably less potent.
A master like Lupin could normally perform wandless magic effortlessly—but with his hands tied and body suspended, he was powerless.
George, however, had fused the Wizarding World's spellcasting system with the style of Fairy Tail magic. Even wandless, his spells retained full force.
And at his current level, even using only this world's magic, his casting speed and power far outstripped an expert like Lupin.
Not to mention Sirius—indeed, even Dumbledore himself wouldn't stand a chance.
In terms of research into this world's magic, George trailed Dumbledore. But in raw casting speed and power, Dumbledore was light-years behind.
If he added other-world magic—summoning dragons, for instance—the entire planet wouldn't be a match.
Yet George never sought to conquer by force—there was no need. He intended to hone his magic in this peaceful, friendly world.
Why be remembered as a dreaded villain when he could be celebrated as a legendary wizard? Here, he had mentors and friends; he wasn't without ties.
"Your magical prowess has reached such heights—no wonder the Headmaster approved your early graduation."
Lupin regarded his bound hands with genuine awe.
He had always known George was extraordinary—otherwise he wouldn't have sat the Ultimate Wizarding Exam in his second year. But he never expected such overwhelming skill.
Having subdued Sirius before had already raised George's standing in Lupin's eyes; experiencing it now drove home the terror of George's dueling prowess. He'd felt as though he stood before Dumbledore himself—utterly unable to fight back.
"But we truly aren't lying. Now isn't the time. Let Black hide, and once the Ministry officials have gone, we'll all go to Dumbledore together."
"George, don't listen to him—the Headmaster and the others are here!"
Even Hermione, Ron, and Harry were stunned by George's ferocity. Without a wand, he'd instantly defeated Sirius and Lupin alike.
But there was no time for shock. In the distance, they saw Dumbledore, other professors, and Ministry examiners approaching.
"Relax. As long as you've told the truth, nothing will happen today."
George smiled at Lupin and dispelled Sirius's Animagus form once more.
He certainly wouldn't allow Sirius to be thrown back into Azkaban—but first, he intended to claim the honor of capturing the fugitive Sirius Black himself.
(End of Chapter)