Go green

Harry Dursley couldn't help but let out a cry of joy. It had been so long since he had touched a broom that he had forgotten how much he loved flying. When he was racing through the skies at full speed, all his worries vanished, replaced only by the sensation of speed. And God knows he didn't want to think at the moment. Sure, he had survived again, but the horrors he had just seen on Diagon Alley would add to the long list of traumatic images that haunted his sleep. But he was alive, and even the intense cold he was beginning to feel couldn't tarnish the intense sensation of life that flying made him experience.

However, he couldn't fly indefinitely in a straight line totally at random. He needed a destination. And incidentally, he needed to think about what had just happened and what his encounter with Voldemort had taught him. That's when he realized that once again he had completely forgotten Dark-Harry. He hadn't even checked to make sure he wasn't injured (to be fair, even under normal circumstances, he was rather discreet, but with the invisibility cloak, he was... invisible).

He crash-landed in a field and released his double from his magically reinforced grip. Immediately, the latter moved away from him to vomit in a corner. Once his stomach was emptied, he started to tremble. Filled with guilt, Harry Dursley approached him.

How are you?

For any response, he received an angry look that Voldemort wouldn't have denied, but continued to tremble all over. Harry then noticed that his face was smeared with tear marks. He then approached him to take him in his arms, but Dark-Harry pushed him away.

Yes well, stupid question. I'm sorry you had to face all that. I didn't think Voldemort would attack Diagon Alley. I knew there was a chance he was back, but I thought he would lay low while gathering more followers. I thought Diagon Alley was a safe place. Well, as safe as possible when you're called Harry Potter.

I am not a baby.

But no, you're not a baby. You were even very brave.

Dark-Harry then demanded:

So tell me the truth! Who were those guys? Why are you pretending to be me? Why did he go crazy when you showed him my scar? Why...

Hello, calm down. They were Death Eaters, the servants of Voldemort.

Who is Voldemort?

Mam... Petunia never told you how your parents died? said Harry Dursley with surprise.

He replied with an ironic tone:

She told me that they died in a car accident because they were completely drunk.

What, but that's nonsense. James and Lily Potter were bastards, but they weren't drug addicts. Exclaimed Harry Dursley. Then, he remembered that it wasn't his world and that, in fact, he knew nothing about Dark-Harry's parents.

Without him understanding why, a tear welled up in Dark-Harry's eyes, but he quickly wiped it away and asked:

What does that have to do with those patients? Why are they mad at me? asked Dark-Harry, determined to get answers to his questions for once.

After a moment of hesitation, Harry Dursley finally replied:

Your parents were killed by Voldemort while trying to protect you. They were not drug addicts, but war heroes who fought for years to protect others, then sacrificed themselves without hesitation for their son. They loved you with all their hearts, you know.

Dark-Harry paused visibly moved, but resumed:

Why did you say they were bastards then?

I shouldn't have said that. In fact, I don't know anything about what your parents were like. It's just that they weren't perfect. Harry Dursley replied evasively, placing a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. Harry Dursley then realized that he was soaked and freezing. He was so caught up in the pleasure of flying that he hadn't thought about the fact that his double couldn't dry himself by magic when passing through a cloud.

Shit, excuse me. Exclaimed Harry Dursley as he generated a warm wind that would quickly dry and warm him with a wave of his wand. Luckily it was August or the kid would have already caught a cold.

Is it better like this? Harry Dursley asked him while struggling with slight discomfort. Because of the euphoria caused by the flight, he hadn'tnoticed, butduring thecombatthehada lot too muchpulled on hisweakMagic reserves.

Yes, thank you. He said, giving her an awkward smile.

Do you have any injuries? Or hungry? Or…

I'm fine, I'm not hurt. I'm not made of sugar, replied Dark-Harry with a mock annoyed look.

But he's a big boy, that one. Replied Harry Dursley with a mocking smile.

Stop making fun of me. Demanded Dark-Harry angrily.

But yes, my big boy. He is a big boy. But yes, but yes. Said Harry Dursley with a sickly sweet voice normally reserved for the baby while preparing to run to escape the vengeance of his lookalike. But the latter simply demanded in a cold voice:

Stop!

Sorry. I just wanted to joke. Said Harry Dursley in a sheepish voice when he saw that his mockery hadn't elicited the expected reaction.

Hilarious. Commented Dark-Harry in a cold voice through which anger could be heard.

You wouldn't have run into Snape by any chance? He said humorously.

In response to the child's questioning look, he added:

He's a Hogwarts professor really… Well, it's complicated. He caught himself just in time to avoid offending him once again.

What is this Hogwarts again? And stop beating around the bush. Are you going to tell me what's going on?

You can use "tu" with me, you know. It feels weird to be treated like an old man. I'm not even 14 years old. Damn, it's true that I look like a kid.

You're only 14 years old! Exclaimed Dark-Harry.

Almost 15. Said Harry Dursley, almost annoyed.

Dark-Harry replied with a very Snape-like raise of an eyebrow, more than equivocal about what he thought of her response.

If you even hint at calling me a baby, I'll deprive you of marshmallows until the end of time. He joked. Seeing that Dark-Harry wasn't responding, he continued:

Listen, if I haven't told you anything, it's not to withhold information, it's just that it's complicated and I don't have all the answers. What I know is that 10 years ago, Voldemort was leading an army of Death Eaters and demonic creatures.And hewas spreading terror in the wizarding world. It was such a terrible time that even today most wizards are afraid to say his name. Your parents and other wizards joined together in a paramilitary organization led by Dumbledore to prevent him from taking control of the wizarding government andofapply his racist policy towards Muggle-borns like your mother. However, despite their efforts and Dumbledore's incredible powers, they were losing until a prophecy announcing the birth of a child capable of defeating him was made. I'll spare you the details, but Voldemort decided that this child was you and decided to do everything to kill you before you could threaten him. And at the same time, he planned to use you as a sacrifice in a dark magic ritual thatYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.would make him immortal. Your parents then hid, but thanks to the betrayal of one of their closest friends, Voldemort found them. They could have fled, but even though they knew they had no chance, they decided to stay to try to protect you. Voldemort killed them and then turned his wand on you, butBy sacrificing herself, your mother invoked an ancient magic based on love that disrupted his dark ritual and resulted in the death spell being deflected onto him. Since then, he has been reduced to less than a ghost, while you escaped with a lightning-shaped scar. Then, deprived of its leader, his army scattered, and you became famous. Wizards think that if the spell was deflected, it's because you have something special, and they see you as a sort of messiah. That's why I insisted so much that you wear this hat when we were in the wizarding world. If they had seen your scar, they would have recognized you, and we would have had trouble. Well, although with me avoiding troubleis a somewhat too ambitious goalCédric said I was a real black cat. He recalled with nostalgia, hoping that the Hufflepuff prefect had been able to survive in his world.

Dark-Harry was having difficulty absorbing thee flow ofIt was far too much at once. Little by little, a voice from the depths of his soul whispered to him that Petunia was right and that he attracted misfortune. That it was his fault if his parents had died and his protector had to face the dark wizard. Moreover, a terrible suspicion came to him, which he couldn't help but verbalize with tears in his eyes:

If you are taking care of me, it's just because you want to use me to defeat that Voldemort. In fact, you don't care about me at all and as soon as you find a way to defeat him, you'll get rid of me.

No, of course not. It's quite the opposite. If I didn't need to take care of you or protect you, it would be much simpler for me. Besides, I made a mistake by taking you with me like that. Harry Dursley replied in a reassuring tone, moving his hand up to his shoulder, but this response only upset Dark-Harry further. But he held back from crying. He was fed up with crying every two minutes for no reason.

Realizing his blunder, Harry Dursley stammered while trying to force him to look him in the eyes:

No, but that's not what I meant. What I meant is that...

That I'm a burden that bothers you. It's okay, it's not a big deal, I'm used to it. Dark-Harry replied.

If it's serious and you're not a burden.

That's kind, but there's no need to lie to me.

Okay, you're a pain, but I'm glad to have you with me. You're really great as a kid. And I'm not saying that because I'm narcissistic. If I were you, I would have yelled at myself for taking care of you so poorly. If I said I regretted taking you with me, it's just because it puts you in danger. If I had thought for two seconds, I would have entrusted you to an adult and you wouldn't have had to experience... All this. Damn, I even took you to a brothel. If my mother finds out, she's going to give me a real talking-to.

What is a brothel? Asked Dark-Harry to change the subject and hide his emotion.

Uh... Well... Are you sure you don't have an easier question? Like one that...isthe sceneYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.of life or why do stores open 24/7 have locks? Replied Harry Dursley.

I want to stay with you. He said so weakly that Harry Dursley wasn't sure he had heard him. The latter ruffled his hair and took his hand.

You are ready. It's time to leave.

Seeing his disgusted expression, Harry Dursley asked in astonishment:

You don't like flying!!!?

Who would be crazy enough to love that?

Who would be crazy enough not to love that? When we fly, we feel so free. All our worries disappear.

I mostly felt like I was being tossed around in all directions and on the verge of falling constantly.

You couldn't fall, I had magically attached you to me. Okay, maybe the loops weren't the idea of the century. I swear this time, I will fly more calmly.

Seeing his resigned-to-his-fate expression of a condemned man, Harry Dursley added by covering both of them with the invisibility cloak.

We're just going to fly to the nearest station and then we'll take the bus.

For the first time, Dark-Harry smiled at him with all his teeth and asked him:

Where are we going this time?

That's the hundred-thousand-galleon question. I've thought a lot about it and I think the best thing is to go to the Lovegoods'. They're completely crazy, but they're one of the few wizarding families that are neither with Dumbledore nor with Voldemort. And there's a slim chance they might have information on the Deathly Hallows.CTo top it off, they live in a remote area in the middle of nowhere where no one will come looking for us.

oOoOoOoOo

Harry Dursley had forgotten to mention a negative point about the Lovegoods: they live in a remote area in the middle of nowhere that no one can find.

If he remembered correctly the raid at their place carried out by Voldemort (out of spite, when he had no better leads to find information on the relics), they live in Devon near a small Muggle village located near Exeter and a river called Ober (or something like that). He thought that would be enough. Damn, it should be easy to spot a large black tower on a hill in the middle of nowhere.

However, after the two-hour bus journey necessary to reach the Loutry Ste Chaspoule station (and a stop in a forest to have lunch on a sandwich bought from a shop on the road that seemed to delight Dark-Harry), they had spent what felt like hours wandering around the surrounding countryside without finding any trace of a magical house. Yet, Harry Dursley sensed the diffuse presence of significant magic. Magic that seemed vaguely familiar to him.

As usual and unlike most children, Dark-Harry followed him without complaining, and even seemed delighted with this trip.You are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything :Dduring the endless journeyon a busHarry Dursley hadfound very entertaining to see himthe nose pressed against the glass howHeeverything he saw with enthusiasm (between two anxiety attacks about disturbing him, which made him curse the Dursleys of this world). For him, however, this trip was increasingly resembling an ordeal. The fights this morning, then his flying session, had made him forget his strange fatigue, but it had quickly increased during the trip and although it was not even 4:00 p.m., he only dreamed of going to bed. He had even had to struggle several times not to faint (and this time, he hadn't done any magic). At first, he thought he hadn't eaten enough, but his problems only worsened after their lunch break.

Nevertheless, he continued walking until he came across a red-haired boy his age (the age he was currently, that is, 9 years old) who was standing in the middle of a field practicing hitting an invisible enemy with a baseball bat.of enormous dimensions. Normally, he would have ignored it, but he needed to ask for directions and the bat made him think of an extremely worn Quidditch bat. He made sure that Dark-Harry was wearing his hat and that his own scar was hidden by his headband, then crossed the hedge that separated the path from the field and called out to him saying:

Hello.

The boy turned around alarmed and said:

Attention!

He only had time to lie down on the ground, pulling Dark-Harry with him, before a Bludger sped at full speed to the spot where he had been standing a few seconds ago, then headed towards the red-haired boy who sent it back towards the horizon with a powerful bat swing.

What was that? Asked Dark-Harry fearfully.

Before Harry Dursley could answer him, the red-haired boy asked fearfully:

Don't tell me you're Muggles?

What is a Muggle? Dark-Harry immediately asked.

Oh no, no, no! Mom is going to kill me. Exclaimed the red-haired boy.

My brother is pulling your leg. We are wizards. My name is Harry, and you? Asked Harry Dursley, stepping forward with his hand outstretched.

I'm Ron. He said, relieved, shaking her hand. Do you want to play Quidditch with me?

Do you have brooms? Asked Harry Dursley enthusiastically, suddenly forgetting his fatigue or the reasons for his visit. He missed Quidditch so much.

No, but I have a bludger and a quaffle, and we could say you score a point if you get the quaffle through its two branches, he said, pointing to a tree along the meadow.

Sorry, but we can't stay, we have to go to the Lovegoods'. Do you know where they live?

Ron nodded his head.

No, I don't know. But I'm sure that dad, he knows. But he went to work, even though it's his day off because some lunatics swear they saw You-Know-Who in Knockturn Alley this morning.

Yes, it's really nonsense. Said Harry Dursley with embarrassment. And your mother, would she maybe know?

No doubt, but this morning, she went to buy school supplies for my older brothers, leaving us with Aunt Muriel. Supposedly, we're not old enough to go alone and without dad, she can't watch all of us. But I'm not a baby anymore. He said with visible resentment.

She should have been back by now. Said Harry, hoping she hadn't been at Diagon Alley at the time of the attack.

I don't know. What time is it?

Time. Harry Dursley said mechanically, taking out his wand and the time appeared in a screen of smoke. However, this simple spell was enough to make him feel a bout of weakness. It worried him so much that he forgot to look at the time displayed. Fortunately, neither of the other two children seemed to notice he had a problem.

Wow! You already have a wand? Will you lend it to me? asked Ron excitedly.

No. Harry Dursley replied firmly without thinking.

But mom always says we must share our things.

Yes, but it's my baguette.

Please, I swear, I'll give it back to you right after.

You don't even know how to use it anyway.

If I know.

No, you do not know.

Yes.

No.

Yes.

No.

Stop his nonsense and show that idiot who is the strongest. Dark-Harry stopped him with an evil smile towards Ron.

This statement cast a chill, then Harry Dursley said in a hesitant voice:

Okay, I'll lend it to you, but not for long. And be careful.

Wow really. Ron replied with excitement, no longer concerned about the threat from his new friend's twin brother.

Ron grabbed the wand and tried to make sparks come out by swinging it in all directions, until an explosion propelled him to the ground.

Hey, gently, it's not a toy. Shouted Harry Dursley, reflexively bringing his wand back into his hands with a single gesture (this umpteenth use of wandless magic made him stagger).

Cool! Ron shouted as he jumped up. You teach me!

I would be surprised if you could learn. Without wanting to offend you, I don't think you have enough power to do magic without a wand.

Oh okay, who taught you all that? My parents and my brothers, they refuse to teach me anything. They say I'm too little. Said Ron disappointed.

We have to go. We must be at the Lovegoods' before tonight, said Harry to change the subject.

Come to my place. You can use my parents' fireplace.

Harry hesitated only for a few seconds. It was a risk to go to strangers, but for some reason he didn't know, the boy inspired confidence in him and anyway, he was too exhausted to continue like this. It was dangerous. If he encountered an enemy, Harry Dursley increasingly doubted his ability to defend them.

Yes, that would be great.

He helped Ron put away the Bludger, then they followed him while animatedly talking about Quidditch. Even though he was much younger than him, Harry Dursley realized that he really liked the other boy and wondered why they hadn't become friends at Hogwarts. He had probably been part of the mass of fanboys, then bullies, that he had made it a point to ignore. In any case, it felt good to laugh and talk about trivial things. He tried several times to include Dark-Harry in the conversation, but the latter remained sullen and merely followed them silently, casting dark looks at Ron that Harry Dursley didn't understand. This reaction worried him a little, but he thought he must just be tired and affected by recent events. This reassured him somewhat, as he began to think that his strange fatigue might be due to the fact that his child's body wasn't able to handle as much exertion as the teenage body he was used to (not to mention the magic he was using a bit too abundantly). In any case, he just let him sulk, hoping that a good night's sleep would bring him back to better spirits.

After 15 minutes of walking, they arrived in front of the strangest house Harry had ever seen. It looked like a large pigsty that had been expanded over time. Several stories high, the house seemed so rickety that it appeared to be held up only by magic (which was probably the case, Harry thought). Four or five chimneys stood on the red roof, and a crooked sign planted near the entrance bore the name of the house: "The Burrow." Boots piled haphazardly and an old rusty cauldron flanked the door. A few fat chickens were pecking in the yard.

It's not very luxurious, said Ron.

That's an understatement. Dark-Harry commented sarcastically, casting a look of pure jealousy at Ron.

Compared to where we slept last night, it's a castle. Harry Dursley offered charitably, authoritatively bringing his double close to him before giving him a look daring him to add a word. Harry Dursley was beginning to reconsider his judgment and thought he should have an unpleasant conversation with him before the end of the day.

However, the latter lowered his eyes with an extremely sad look and became mute again, which made Harry Dursley feel bad. He let Ron go ahead and in the meantime to comfort Dark-Harry, he ran his hand through his hair then firmly took his hand to lead him inside following Ron who was shouting that he was back.

Ron, you'll never guess what happened on Diagon Alley, we met... You! exclaimed the twins Fred and George, staring at him with wide eyes after bursting excitedly in front of them following Ron's thunderous arrival. But they froze with wide eyes upon noticing his guests.

You again!? Are you following me or what? What are you doing here? Exclaimed Harry Dursley.

Do you know each other? Ron asked, visibly confused.

But it's... it's... stammered Fred and George.

"Who is it?" asked a little girl Harry barely recognized as Ginny.

Oh no, it's not starting again!? Complained Harry Dursley with despair. So for the umpteenth time. Yes, I am Harry Potter, yes, I have a scar, no, you can't see it and I have already shown my big wand to Ron... That's not what I meant. He added just after. (Author's note: this is a reference to a joke from book 2 chapter 3 of Harry Dursley)

You are Harry Potter!? Exclaimed Ron.

Liar. Harry Potter is… began Ginny.

Yes, I know, he is much more handsome and muscular. You should go out with him, by the way. Harry Dursley interrupted resignedly.

No, I meant that he doesn't have a twin brother. And boys are too gross, I would never have a boyfriend. Replied little Ginny innocently.

Excellent remark. I am not Harry Potter and we are going to leave.

Wait, we don't care who you are. You saved our lives. At least let us thank you. The twins held him back.

What is this story? Asked Ron.

You should have seen that, Ron, the Dark Lord came back with a group of Death Eaters and he challenged them all by himself so we could escape. In one singleSort, he blasted a Death Eater and then started a duel with the Dark Lord himself. There were flashes, they flew away...

Cool. Exclaimed Ron, showing a clear admiration for his new friend.

It wasn't cool, it was terrifying. There's nothing cool about killing someone or risking your life against a megalomaniac psychopath, contradicted Harry Dursley.

It's true, it was horrible. Declared Fred

I have never been so scared in my life, George added.

But without you, mom would have died. We owe you a debt. They declared in unison.

You owe me nothing, if he attacked the shortcut and you found yourself in danger, it is because of me.

Before anyone could respond, Molly and Arthur Weasley apparated into the middle of the living room.

Ron. We looked for you everywhere. But where on earth have you been? Molly exclaimed immediately as she rushed to her eldest.

Well, I had gone to play…

We don't care, look who he brought back. Exclaimed young Fred, pointing at Harry Dursley who was trying to sneak away discreetly, dragging his scrawny double behind him.

Immediately, the gaze of the two adults turned towards him. Their reaction was so quick that before anyone could understand what was happening, the children found themselves forcibly pushed behind Molly Weasley, who was blocking with her body and pointing her wand at Harry Dursley with a look of hatred, while Arthur Weasley was trying to separate Dark-Harry from his protector, which triggered the frightened scream that suddenly snapped Harry Dursley out of his catatonic state.

Let him go, immediately. Ordered Harry Dursley as he drew his wand and crackled his magic. If he hadn't felt so bad, he would have immediately released him with a repulso, but he was afraid of not being able to produce a powerful enough spell (and even less of getting out of it if a fight ensued).

Arthur Weasley released him and also took out his wand, positioning himself next to his wife in a perfectly optimized formation for duo combat, revealing the habit they had developed during the last war of fighting together.

Don't be afraid Harry, it's over. He won't hurt you anymore. We will take you back to the Dursleys. Declared Arthur Weasley in a reassuring voice towards Dark-Harry.

For that, you'll have to go over my body. Threatened Harry Dursley as he began to lose control of his magic which shattered the windows and various small decorative objects (he then realized that contrary to what he thought, his magical reserves were at a high level and were not responsible for his feeling of weakness).

But what's gotten into you? It's Harry Potter... the twins attempted.

It is not Harry Potter, but an impostor. After the battle, Dumbledore went to his guardians and discovered that a dark wizard had attacked them and kidnapped the real Harry Potter.

The truth is the best of lies. Commented Harry Dursley sarcastically, thinking of one of the mantras that Voldemort repeated during his many monologue phases to his glory that no one other than Harry really listened to.

Children, as soon as you are told, run and take refuge at Aunt Muriel's using the fireplace.

But he saved our lives. Objected the twins, standing in solidarity with Ron, who was trying to escape his parents' grip to defend his new friend.

For once in your life, obey. Molly Weasley shouted at them.

But why does everyone tell us that? asked the twins.

Because we know you. Arthur Weasley and Harry Dursley replied at the same time.

Listen, I don't know what Dumbledore told you, but I mean you no harm. Let us go. Addition Harry Dursley.

Dad, let him go. I'm the one who insisted he come. Pleaded Ron, tears in his eyes, in the indifference of his parents who only had eyes for their enemy.

Release this poor child. He is of no use to you. Replied Molly Weasley without lowering her wand an inch.

For you to send him back to the Dursleys. Out of the question. Did Dumbledore tell you how he treated him? Did he even care in almost 10 years? Oh no, how silly of me, he was too busy seizing his fortune.

Don't hope to get away with some black mage lie. Release him and then we will let you go. Against Molly.

But are you blind or what? Can't you see that he doesn't want to follow you?

Dumbledore

But Harry Dursley did not listen to the rest, because Dark-Harry chose this moment to whisper in his ear:

Even if he let us go, he would pursue us. The only way out is to kill them all.

I wouldn't kill anyone. Shouted Harry Dursley.

Yet, it didn't bother you this morning. Dark-Harry reproached him.

It was self-defense.

And there, what do you think it is? It's them or us.

Hum! Hum! Say, will you tell us if we're bothering you? Declared Arthur Weasley, lowering his wand.

Arthur!

Molly watches them. And then he saved your life and he would have had a thousand opportunities to harm the children. I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding. I'll call Dumbledore and we'll clear it all up.

Harry Dursley was almost tempted to lower his wand in turn, but retorted:

Sorry Mr. Weasley, but I don't trust Dumbledore.

What do you propose, then young man? You cannot run away forever. Announced Arthur Weasley in a calm voice.

Harry had been wondering about it since this morning, but he still didn't have the answer. He tried to think intensely to find a solution that wouldn't involve a potentially deadly confrontation in the Weasley's living room. However, the urgency of the moment wasn't conducive to reflection. And he was getting more and more tired. In the event of a duel, he increasingly doubted his ability to even delay the Weasley matriarch long enough to allow Dark-Harry to escape (unlike her husband, she continued to keep him firmly at gunpoint). Especially since he remembered that Voldemort inNo one had praised their combat abilities when Lucius Malfoy had belittled them after Petter had...

But yes Croutard! Ginny your rat where is it? Suddenly asked Harry Dursley as if struck by an idea.

What rat I don't have a rat.

What do you want with Scabbers? Asked Ron.

But yes, it's true Ginny will only inherit it after your death.

What? All the Weasleys present said as Arthur Weasley raised his wand.

Croutard is an Animagus and a former Death Eater named Peter Pettigrew.

You are completely crazy. Pettigrew is dead. Against Arthur Weasley.

That's what he makes everyone believe, but Sirius Black is innocent and he should have custody of Harry.

Even if it were true after spending almost ten years in Azkaban, he is probably no longer in a condition to take care of a child. I don't know why you are making up such a lie, but...

I am not lying.

Simply, with a wave of his hand, he cast an Accio that pulled Scabbers into his hand, as he was apparently trying to escape through one of the open windows. He immediately tried to bite him, but Harry Dursley held him firmly.

Petter, I like you, but if you don't immediately turn back into a human, I'll cast the Cruciatus Curse on you until you die. Threatened Harry Dursley, making his magic crackle painfully between his hands as a warning.

The rat then froze and swelled in size until Harry could no longer hold it in his hand and had to throw it to the ground.

A head emerged from the ground, then arms sprouted, and legs... A moment later, a man was standing where Croutard had fallen. The man, huddled over, was wringing his hands.

With labored breathing, he looked around. Harry saw his eyes briefly turn towards the door, then change direction again.

Hello, Peter, said Harry Durlsey, as if it were perfectly natural to see a rat transform into a little wizard with a bald head.

Harry as I am... Petter began in a honeyed voice towards him, before being interrupted.

Stop, I don't have the patience for your lies.

He then turned to the Weasleys, who were staring in horror at the Death Eater who had shared their intimacy for years.

You are not going to believe the ravings of this dark mage. Pleaded Petter. I just transformed to hide from Sirius Black and the other Death Eaters still at large. Then I spent so much time in my Animagus form that I forgot who I really was. I am not a Death Eater. Dumbledore himself affirmed that it was not me, but Sirius Black, the secret keeper. Why would he have lied? Why would he have covered for me if I was the one who betrayed the Potters to Dumbledore? And if I were a Death Eater, why wouldn't I have rejoined him when he returned? Pleaded Petter.

Because you never had any desire to serve Voldemort. Like many others, you joined his ranks only because you had no other choice to survive and you have no desire to return to his service. As for Dumbledore, he is not omniscient and for a reason I do not understand my... Harry's parents distrusted Dumbledore and hid from him that he had chosen you at theplace Black as the secret keeper. Explained Harry Dursley while rubbing his head to get rid of the intense headache that was starting to appear.

Me deceive Dumbledore. It's insane, Arthur, Molly, you know me. How can you imagine that I would have betrayed you? Pleaded Peter as he approached the Weasleys.

Stay away from my children, vermin! Hissed Molly Weasley, pointing her wand at the Death Eater.

Haven't I been a good rat? Pleaded Petter towards Ron in desperation.

But before he could answer, Harry Dursley fell to his knees. He felt various people stirring around him and Dark-Harry approaching him, uttering various incomprehensible words. He tried to get up and tell him that he wasn't seriously hurt, but suddenly started coughing up blood and felt he was about to faint. He lay on his back and saw the worried face of Arthur Weasley appear.

I beg you, do not let Dumbledore send him back to the Dursleys. Protect him... Dumbledore. He managed to whisper to him before falling into unconsciousness.