Chapter 42 - Operation Completed
After the oath settled and the faint pulse of magic faded from the room, everyone turned their eyes toward Peter Pettigrew again. The silence felt heavier now, as everyone knew what he has done and what he deserves.
I clear my throat and speak.
"Lord Black, please keep him tied up properly. Otherwise he will run away like he always does."
Lord Black nodded without taking his eyes off Peter.
"Do not worry, Mr. Dursley. He will not run away. I have something special that will be helpful for this."
He turned to Kreacher.
"Kreacher, bring the magical ropes from the storeroom."
Kreacher bowed at once and disappeared with a loud snap. A few seconds later he reappeared, holding a coil of dark, thick rope. It looked old but not worn.
"Bind the rat with it," Lord Black ordered.
Kreacher wasted no time. He walked behind Peter and started wrapping the rope around his arms, his chest, and his legs. I watched expecting it to be like any magical binding rope. But as the rope tightened, something happened that I did not expect.
Thin, hair-like roots rose from the surface of the rope. They twitched for a moment, then pierced Peter Pettigrew's skin all across his body. He whimpered weakly under the potion, but he could not move.
I stared with wide eyes.
"I… I didn't know ropes could do that."
Lord Black glanced at me and explained in a calm tone.
"This rope binds not only the body. It binds the blood and the magic flowing inside the prisoner. He will not be able to transfigure, transform, or shift into any animal form. Animagus magic cannot break through blood-binding."
I nodded slowly. I was shocked, but also amazed. The House of Black truly is an ancient house with powers deeper than most families can imagine. They do not brag about empty titles. They have old magic to prove their reputation.
Kreacher pulled the last knot tight. The rope seemed to breathe for a moment, then settles into place like a living creature going to rest. Peter was completely helpless now.
Lord Black waved his hand once more.
"Kreacher, take him to the dungeon. Lock him in the deepest cell. Feed him once a week, just to keep him alive."
"Yes, Master," Kreacher replied without emotion. He picked up Peter Pettigrew by the ropes as if he weighed nothing and disappeared with another sharp snap.
I did not ask why there was a dungeon in the house. I did not need to as the answer was clear. Old families, real old ones, built their homes like fortresses. They had dungeons, interrogation chambers, hidden vaults, and magical rooms meant to guard secrets or punish enemies. It was strange to see it in the modern age, but it was standard in old times.
And I did not question feeding Pettigrew only once a week. After what he has done, it still felt like mercy.
Lord Black turned toward me once Kreacher was gone. His expression was calm again, almost fatherly, but there was still iron in his voice.
"You must go home now. Do not look troubled. Do not appear concerned. It will not be good for you, your family, or Harry if anyone suspects that you are involved in this matter."
I nodded. I understood instantly, "Yes, Lord Black. I will keep my distance."
He continued, "We will approach Harry after Sirius is freed and healed. His healing will take time. You will see him after the healers are done. After spending so many years in Azkaban, it will not be easy for him to recover from the torment."
I lowered my head respectfully, "I understand, sir."
Truthfully, I feel relieved that I am no longer needed in this part. I do not want to attract Dumbledore's attention. I do not want Harry dragged into anything dangerous. And I certainly do not want Voldemort's remaining supporters to notice me. I already played my part. I caught the rat. Now the Blacks will take care of the rest.
Andromeda placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Come, Arthur. I will take you home."
We step outside, and she held my arm firmly. A moment later, the world twisted, stretched and snapped back into place as we Apparated.
We arrived at their house. Andromeda did not waste a second. She immediately called out to her husband and daughter.
"Ted! Dora! We must return to Black Manor soon. Grandfather has called for the family."
Ted Tonks froze for a moment, then blinked rapidly.
"Me? He wants me to come as well?"
"Yes," Andromeda said with a calm but serious tone, "It is more important than the any trivial issues."
I could see how much this meant to him. Lord Arcturus Black inviting Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born, into the house was not a small thing. It was a major step that showed trust and acceptance from the Blacks. It could change the Tonks family's place in the magical world forever. It could help their careers and open doors that had been closed for decades.
Nymphadora grinned widely, though she tried to hide it by pretending to check her boots. "This is huge, Mum."
Andromeda nodded with a tight smile. "Yes. It is."
I smiled at all of them. "I wish you all luck. It will go well."
After a few more polite words, I bid them goodbye and stepped outside again with Andromeda. She offered to apparate me back to my home, but I declined as there are many eyes and ears near my home and also the wards put by our dear Headmaster. Any of them could notice the magical disturbance.
I arrived at Privet Drive when the evening light was soft and fading. The kitchen light spilled out through the window. I walked inside and hung my coat on the hook by the door.
Mum was waiting for me. Her face was pinched with worry.
"Arthur, you have been leaving the house too often. What is going on? You never used to go out this much."
I smiled gently. "It is done, Mum. No more outings. I will stay home now."
She watched me carefully. "You promise?"
"I promise. I had something important to do and have finished it today. I do not need to go anywhere for a long time."
She sighed with relief, though she still looked doubtful.
"Well, that is good."
I sit at the table and let out a long breath.
The rat is caught.
The truth is out.
The Operation Catch the Rat is completed.
The Blacks will handle the rest. Oh, and I feel worried about the Ministry when the truth comes out. The Blacks, their head of the clan Lord Arcturus Black and other aging and semi-retired members will not leave them easily. Money, Honour and Power, they will salvage everything they can as this is like a gift by Merlin himself.
For now, I can rest. Until Sirius comes knocking for his Godson.
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End of Chapter 42 - Operation Completed