Madam Bones nodded her understanding. She was impressed a Third year in class with her niece could work such obscure magic. It wasn't particularly hard to cast but with so few animagi not many bothered. It was however in keeping with Susan's comments on Ms Granger's personality.
"We don't have any rat animagus listed in the registry," Auror Jones commented.
"The last one was Adam Budd who died in 1803," Ms Granger supplier. Then she blushed when the three Aurors turned to look at her in surprise. "Um, we found out Harry's dad was an unregistered stag animagus. So I looked up the registry."
Madam Bones was shocked again. "This would be James Potter, Harry Potter's father?" The two students nodded. The old witch let a small smile escape. "That crafty little bugger. James always thought rules were more guidelines than anything else. He never even mentioned it to me when I was his training officer.
"Now, who do we have here?" she asked turning back to the bound man.
"I believe I can be of some assistance with that," Dumbledore spoke up. "I believe he is a former Hogwarts student, a former Gryffindor even, but one long taken for dead."
Bones looked up at the Headmaster. "And that is?"
"Peter Pettigrew, the man Sirius Black was believed to have murdered after betraying the Potter's to Voldemort. In fact it was his last shouted statement that was seen as key evidence against Black."
The three Aurors looked at the balding man in shock. The possible ramifications of this information were going through each of their heads.
"Right," Bones said. "Kingsley, get back to the office. I want a vial of Veritserium and a deposition quill." Once the Auror was gone she turned to the two students. "And where would Mr Potter be? I understand the three of you are rarely apart."
"He had detention with Snape," Ron provided with a shrug.
"Professor Snape, Ron!" Hermione corrected him. The youngest Weasley male winced slightly.
"Mr Potter was not involved in this discovery so I do not believe his involvement is required at this time," Dumbledore offered.
"Yes, well, the repercussions of tonight if this is indeed Pettigrew will involve Mr Potter," Bones commented. "Now, I don't believe we should keep these students up any longer, do you professor?"
"No, of course." Dumbledore turned and dashed off a quick note that he handed to Hermione. "Please go directly to Gryffindor tower. I shall inform you of what we find out after breakfast tomorrow."
"Yes, professor," Hermione acknowledged. The two students walked out.
After they were gone, Madam Bones asked, "Do you believe all of that?"
Albus chuckled. "For the most part, yes. They may have been a bit hazy with the details and I suspect Mr Potter played a bigger role in this drama than they indicated as I suspect you would agree. But the core story is undeniable. This is indeed Peter Pettigrew. He is missing the finger found at the site of the explosion. I was not Chief Warlock at the time of Sirius Black's arrest but this significantly increases the doubts I've had of Mr Black's guilt."
The conversation was interrupted by the return of Kingsley Shacklebolt with the requested items. Within ten minutes the Headmaster and the law enforcement personnel in the room was appalled at the gross miscarriage of justice that had occurred.
....
Remus Lupin woke with the familiar morning after pains of his transformation. He winced as he struggled to sit up. Oddly, he didn't feel as stiff as most of these mornings. A holdover result from taking wolfsbane the past several months? Maybe.
"Hey Moony! You're awake!"
Remus turned his head slightly to see a grinning Sirius Black sitting with his back to the wall. Remus realized he was back in the Shrieking Shack in the room they had confronted Peter.
"Merlin, I hate morning people," Remus groaned.
Sirius slid a potion bottle towards his friend. "Here. Harry's little friend thought to send this out for you. A pain relief potion with a muscle relaxant. Just like Lily used to make!"
Remus hurt too much to snicker. Instead he drank down the potion Ms Granger had helpfully sent out.
After the potion was gone, Remus asked, "So, what happened?"
"You missed all the fun, Moony. I got to Oblivate Snape! Hope I didn't do too much. I am a bit rusty. Plus, we stunned poor little Peter a few times before Hermy and Ron took him to Dumbledore's office. Amelia has the bastard now. Like a pitbull that one. He was in official custody and questioned before Fudge even got wind of it. They've already called off the Dementors and the 'Kill on sight' order."