Chapter 176: The Incident
As always, the Sorting Hat eagerly anticipated the sorting ceremony, having spent the entire year composing a new song. This year, after finishing its song, the hat did something unexpected—it bowed to the four house tables, surprising even Phineas.
Once the applause subsided, Professor McGonagall began the sorting. As expected, Hannah was sorted into Hufflepuff without hesitation.
However, a surprising change occurred. Whether it was due to Phineas' words on the train or Hermione's own reflection, she was sorted into Ravenclaw instead of Gryffindor.
Draco, as in the original timeline, was sorted into Slytherin the moment the Sorting Hat touched his head. This time, however, he didn't sit beside Pansy. After Phineas exposed the Parkinsons' scheme on the train, Draco realized the girl who had been so sweet to him had ulterior motives. Naturally, he avoided her and chose to sit next to Phineas. Compared to unfamiliar classmates, his actual uncle seemed a far safer option.
Seeing Draco beside him, Phineas merely shook his head, saying nothing.
Although Phineas was no longer isolated or targeted within Slytherin, a degree of fear and awe toward him still lingered. So when Draco sat beside him, many students were visibly startled. Fortunately, a few who understood the relationship between the Black and Malfoy families quietly explained it, calming the others.
Harry, as expected, was sorted into Gryffindor. Even if he'd preferred another house, Dumbledore wouldn't have allowed it. Gryffindor was the house most aligned with the qualities Dumbledore wished Harry to develop—especially bravery, which would be essential when facing the return of the Dark Lord.
After joining the table, Harry was surprised to find Phineas wasn't a Gryffindor.
He turned to the twins and asked, "Phineas isn't in Gryffindor?"
"Ah, Phineas is a Slytherin," George explained. "Only Sirius was different in the Black family. Everyone else was sorted there, including him. Phineas didn't have a choice."
"Yeah," Fred added, "but even though he's in Slytherin, he's not like the others. He's our friend—like a brother."
Harry still seemed confused, but Ron, seated beside him and holding a chicken leg in one hand, chimed in, "Phineas saved Fred and George back in first year. He's had ties with our family ever since. Also, our mum's distantly related to the Blacks. I think that makes him our cousin? Not sure."
Dinner passed quickly, and when the desserts vanished from the table, Headmaster Dumbledore stood up.
The moment he rose, the great hall fell silent.
"I trust everyone has eaten well. Before the term officially begins, I have a few announcements."
"First years, please note: the Forbidden Forest is strictly off limits to all students. This rule applies to older students as well."
At that, Dumbledore cast a pointed glance at the Weasley twins and Phineas, who sat quietly at the Slytherin table.
"Also, Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind everyone not to cast spells in the corridors between classes."
"Quidditch tryouts will begin in the second week of term. Any students interested in joining their House teams should speak with Madam Hooch."
"Finally, a serious matter—no one should enter the corridor on the right side of the third floor. Anyone doing so risks encountering a painful and possibly fatal death."
Just as Harry chuckled, thinking it was a joke, the doors to the Great Hall swung open.
In walked Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, followed by a crowd of reporters from The Daily Prophet, The Quibbler, Witch Weekly, and other wizarding publications. Among them was Mr. Lovegood, editor of The Quibbler.
Dumbledore, clearly puzzled, stepped forward. "Fudge? What brings you here?"
Fudge, equally confused, replied, "Dumbledore, didn't you summon me? You said you had something urgent to discuss."
Dumbledore turned to the crowd of reporters. "And what about all of you? I don't recall any scheduled press events at Hogwarts tonight."
Lovegood raised a hand. "I received a tip from Mr. Black. He said there would be something worth publishing."
"Same here," another reporter chimed in.
"And me."
At that moment, the truth became apparent. All eyes turned to Phineas, who calmly dabbed his mouth with a napkin, stood, and walked toward Dumbledore.
Drawing his wand, he pointed it at his own throat and cast, "Sonorus."
"Everyone, please remain seated. What I'm about to reveal concerns the entire wizarding world."
Ignoring Fudge's stiffening posture, Phineas snapped his fingers. With a pop, Puff the house-elf appeared at his side, carrying a large trunk.
"Puff, bring the prisoner."
At Phineas' command, Puff opened the trunk. Phineas began recounting the story of Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the betrayal of the Potters.
Fudge, predictably, refused to believe it. "That's nonsense! Everyone knows Sirius was the Potters' Secret-Keeper. You can't just rewrite history with a few wild claims!"
Phineas gave him a level look. "If I didn't have evidence, do you think I'd dare say this here, in front of Dumbledore, half the wizarding world family's heirs, and a hall full of witnesses? Professor Snape, I believe you have Veritaserum in your possession. For Lily's sake, perhaps now is the time."
Snape's expression darkened. He wasn't sure why Phineas referred to Lily as "senior," nor how he even knew about his past with her. But slowly, silently, he reached into his robes and retrieved the vial of truth serum.