Chapter 147: Future Star of Magic

The wand in Pettigrew's hand was pointed at Ivan. And he said all he could say, even revealed that he was an Animagus, but the thin, black-haired boy in front of him didn't move.

He looked skeptical about him. Peter knew it was too sudden.

According to the original plan, he should have resurfaced in front of the crowd after Sirius Black was kissed by the Dementors. At that point, he could tell others how he had planned all this behind the scenes. He revealed Lupin's evil werewolf identity, and introduced Black to the castle and plotted to trap him.

Half of his plan was successful. Lupin had been removed. Even the pesky Dumbledore wasn't at Hogwarts. According to the agreement, Lucius Malfoy would stop him at the Ministry of Magic.

Now, the only troublesome guy left was Sirius Black.

For most people, trying to catch Sirius Black seemed to be a very difficult matter. The Dementors and the Aurors of the Ministry of Magic spent more than half a year, without even encountering Black's shadow.

However, for an intelligent person, it was a piece of cake.

Peter Pettigrew smiled proudly. He thought he would get hold of Black, that reckless and stupid dog. He doesn't even have to use his own hands. He'll lure him to the castle and tell Snape his whereabouts. Because of the hatred that had built up during his school days, Snape was only too willing to help him eliminate Black.

They were all like puppets; and all the strings were in his hands.

According to Peter Pettigrew's plan, when it was all over, he would appear on the scene.

It should be an endless honor awaiting him, not a suspicious twelve-year-old boy. Under Ivan's burning gaze, Pettigrew felt a little irritated. His eyes were fixed on the Marauder's Map in the boy's hands. His plan had gone well. Now all he needs is this map.

As long as he gets it, he can find out Black's whereabouts.

Eventually he planned to talk the boy out of there, which will save him a lot of trouble. But judging from the current situation, this doesn't seem to work. The boy in front of him is skeptical.

He is not like Ron, whom he can easily manipulate; and not like Harry, who can be swayed by impulsive emotions.

In fact, Ivan is different from all the young wizards Peter had seen. He had his own vision.

In Pettigrew's eyes, Ivan was like Dumbledore, an exceptional Gryffindor. He has almost all the qualities required by the four Houses: the bravery of Gryffindor, the intelligence of Ravenclaw, the hard work of Hufflepuff and also the cunning of Slytherin.

When these idiosyncratic qualities are concentrated in one person, he is bound to be a tough opponent.

Although Ivan now seemed harmless to humans and animals, like a pet rat standing next to him, Peter Pettigrew knew what Ivan has done since he entered the school.

For a freshman who just entered the school less than two years ago, it's amazing to be able to do those things. Even he as an adult can't do many of them now.

At his young age, he did a great job. Neither James Potter nor Sirius Black could match him.

Perhaps only Dumbledore and the Dark Lord could do those things during their school days.

At the thought that Ivan could become a great wizard, Peter was so nervous that he choked and even felt out of breath.

He grabbed the wand with his hands, as he had to do something; it was better to surprise him and take the initiative.

While the boy was still hesitating, it was better to seize the opportunity and defeat him in one blow.

Peter Pettigrew was suddenly distracted. He was considering how he should deal with the boy. The Dememorizing Charm is a good spell, but it's not safe Maybe use the Avada Kedavra curse!

Then he can leave him there, and when his body is discovered, it's all over!

Everyone would think Sirius Black or Lupin killed him. One of them is an evil dark wizard and Voldemort's most powerful man; the other is a ferocious werewolf, who attacks his students to satisfy his bloodthirsty instincts on a full moon night.

As long as those two are around, no one will suspect him.

No matter how outstanding and talented he is, Ivan is still just a boy, and certainly not his opponent.

Immense talent is meaningless unless one grows up to realize his full potential.

"Dear child, please believe me." Peter Pettigrew's small eyes stared at Ivan. He covered his wand with his body and said lamely, "The situation is very urgent; Black may enter the castle at any moment. I'm here to save you."

"Well, I believe in you!" suddenly Ivan spoke, "What do you want me to do?"

Peter looked stunned for a moment; he didn't expect him to say that, but he quickly pulled himself together and said, "It's very simple - you just have to give me the Marauder's Map!"

"Is it this thing?" Ivan held up the parchment in his hand.

"Yes!" Peter looked anxiously at the map and shouted, "Give it to me, Ivan! With your help, we can join forces and catch Black. It's a shortcut to success. The entire magical world will praise you, and you will receive unprecedented honor."

"Really?!" Ivan closed his eyes and seemed to be immersed in the future Pettigrew was talking about.

"Think about it, Black escaped to kill Harry. You caught him and saved your friend." Peter Pettigrew took a step closer to Ivan, and in a haunting voice said, "A man greater than the Savior, how would people describe you, THE FUTURE STAR OF THE MAGICAL WORLD!"

"The future star of the magical world!" Ivan repeated, opening his bright eyes, looking firmly at Pettigrew, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "What you said was great and very exciting. But unfortunately, you missed a point, a crucial point."

"What?!" Pettigrew was surprised.

"You neglected..." Ivan said slowly, with unprecedented confidence in his voice. "I'm not just like you, Peter! I will not sell innocent people for my own gain, for my strength! Nor will I betray my friends! I will rely on my own efforts to become a great wizard!"

"Great wizard?!" Peter seemed not to have answered.

"Yes, even more than Dumbledore and Voldemort." Ivan said, tossing the map aside in the blazing fire.